Amazon tree boa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Amazon tree boa |
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|---|---|
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| Juvenile in Ecuador | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Corallus
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| Species: |
hortulana
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The Amazon tree boa (Corallus hortulana) is a type of boa snake. It is also called the common tree boa or garden tree boa. You can find this snake in South America. Like all boas, it is not venomous, meaning it doesn't have poison. There are no different types (subspecies) of this snake known right now.
Contents
About the Amazon Tree Boa
What They Look Like
Adult Amazon tree boas usually grow to be about 5 to 6.5 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) long. These snakes come in many different colors and patterns. Their main color can be black, brown, gray, or even bright red, orange, or yellow.
Some boas have no patterns at all. Others might have speckles, bands, or shapes like diamonds or chevrons. For example, a red boa might have yellow patterns. A yellow boa might have red or orange patterns.
There are two main color groups, called 'phases'. These colors are passed down through their genes.
- The 'garden phase' boas are usually duller colors. They are often brown or olive green. They can have many different patterns.
- The 'colored phase' boas are much brighter. They have colors like red, orange, and yellow mixed together.
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An adult Amazon tree boa in Peru.
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A young Amazon tree boa in Peru.
Where They Live
The Amazon tree boa lives in the Amazon rainforest in South America. You can find them in countries like Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
They usually live in areas below 300 meters (about 984 feet) in height. These snakes are arboreal, which means they live only in trees. They can be found in many different types of tree habitats.
Keeping Them as Pets
Amazon tree boas are sometimes sold as pets. However, they are not the easiest snakes to care for. They can be quite grumpy and might bite if they feel scared. They also need very specific conditions to stay healthy. Because of this, they are not a good choice for people who are new to keeping snakes.
See also
In Spanish: Boa arborícola amazónica para niños
