Emerald Tree Boa

Scientific Name: Corallus Caninus

The Emerald Tree Boa scientifically known as Corallus Caninus exhibits a stunning presence. It is a non-venomous snake commonly found in South America’s rainforests, has no subspecies, and is a member of the Boa species family. It is one of the most colourful snakes and a member of the Class Serpentes and Corallus Genus. It is the popular species of tree boas.The snake stands out because of its emerald green coloration on the ground with white irregular zigzag stripes also known as lightning bolts along its body. This pattern closely emulates the pattern of sun splotches, which penetrate through the thick rainforest canopy. As it grows older, the green coloration becomes darker. The snake is covered by brilliant green scales of yellow or white blotches on the lower right of their body. Adults grow to almost 6 feet and have long teeth that are proportionally bigger than those that other non-venomous snakes have. Juveniles differ in color between diverse shades of brick red or dark and light orange before the animal turns emerald green at about 9-12 months. The snake is slightly stout with a moderately thick neck to support its large head.

Emerald Tree Boas Are Beautiful Creatures

Facts About Emerald Tree Boas

Geographic Location

Emerald Tree Boas are located in South America in the regions of the Amazon Basin like Colombia, Guyana, Surinam, Brasil, Ecuador, Venezuela, northern Bolivia, Peru and French Guiana within the Northern Shield.

Habitat

The snake is commonly found in wet lowland rainforests, which receive high rainfall levels. It is also common in tropical rainforests where they usually coil up on the branches of trees. It also inhabits shrubs near water bodies like marshes and swamps.

Behavior

This strictly arboreal and nocturnal species spends its entire days in a distinctive coil on tree branches with the head perched in the centre. During the night, it remains coiled on the branch but extending the head downwards, arched as if ready to strike. It holds on to this position until prey approaches directly below. Its long front teeth grasp the prey, which is then asphyxiated by constriction. The snake is a carnivore and mainly eats small mammals but also eats various bird species, frogs and lizards. It feeds less because of its slightly low metabolic rate. It has a unique behaviour where it rests motionless state for a long time.

Reproduction

It is ovoviviparous with the female having an internal egg gestation period of 5 to 7 months. The female produces an average of 6 to 14 young ones at a time. However, sometimes more than 14 young ones are reproduced. The females normally lay eggs at hatching time but sometimes the eggs hatch during or after the female lays them. The snake has a lifespan of about 15 years.

Captivity

The species is easily available in the pet trade. It is normally bred in captivity but wild caught Emerald Tree Boas are fairly common. It is a challenging snake to keep due to the numerous problems in its feeding behaviour and habitat. Most of the wild-caught species die within one year of their capture if not appropriately cared for. Probably this is the reason why the captive-bred species are quite expensive.