Thus, this species is presumed to have no specialized thermosensory abilities. A grassland with scattered trees or scattered clumps of trees, a type of community intermediate between grassland and forest. Please be respectful of copyright. [citation needed] In most cases, they are ambush predators, meaning they sit and wait for a desirable prey item to pass by. Plants, birds and animals develop special characteristics in order to survive. November 07, 2008 In many cases, a boa constrictor of unknown geographical origin may be impossible to assign to a subspecies. How are amphibians adapted to life on land and in water? Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. These strong tails help tree boas to capture, constrict and consume food while hanging upside down. Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? [33] Due to their polygynous nature, many of these males will be unsuccessful. How do humans impact the Amazon rainforest? They are non-venomous and prey is dispatched through constriction. rainforests, both temperate and tropical, are dominated by trees often forming a closed canopy with little light reaching the ground. Most populations, though, are not under threat of immediate extinction; thus, they are within Appendix II rather than Appendix I. How do Burmese pythons affect the economy? The usual size of mature female boas is between 7 and 10ft (2.1 and 3.0m) whereas males are between 6 and 8ft (1.8 and 2.4m). November 07, 2008 Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Unauthorized use is prohibited. This includes Greenland, the Canadian Arctic islands, and all of the North American as far south as the highlands of central Mexico. The snake's scientific name is the same as its common name, Boa constrictor. Boa constrictors have two functional lungs, a condition found in boas and pythons. The history of book bansand their changing targetsin the U.S. Should you get tested for a BRCA gene mutation? The red-tailed boa (Boa constrictor constrictor) is a popular exotic pet. Boas are nonvenomous constrictors found in tropical Central and South America. (O'Shea, 2007; Pough, et al., 2004), As mentioned above, the species Boa constrictor is divided into many subspecies. It is commonly found in or along rivers and streams, as it is a very capable swimmer. Proper care should be observed in handling them, especially the larger varieties. Within populations, females are usually larger than males. Boa constrictors generally live on their own and do not interact with any other snakes unless they want to mate. Of all the boas, constrictors can live in the greatest variety of habitats ranging from sea level to moderate elevation, including deserts, wet tropical forests, open savannas and cultivated fields. As a boa grows, and its skin is shed, its coloration may gradually change. How are tropical rainforests and temperate forests different? The boa first strikes at the prey, grabbing it with its teeth; it then proceeds to constrict the prey until death before consuming it whole. In most cases, they are ambush predators, meaning they sit and wait for a desirable prey item to pass by. Boa constrictors are powerful snakes and stealthy hunters. How do rainforests maintain the water cycle? How do ring tailed lemurs adapt to their environment? reproduction in which fertilization and development take place within the female body and the developing embryo derives nourishment from the female. The boa constrictor (scientific name also Boa constrictor), also known as the red-tailed boa, is a species of large, non-venomous, heavy-bodied snake that is frequently kept and bred in captivity. (O'Shea, 2007; Stafford, 1986), Boa constrictors generally breed during the dry season, usually from April to August, though the timing of the dry season varies across their range. (Mattison, 2007; Montgomery and Rand, 1978; O'Shea, 2007; Stafford, 1986), Boa constrictor has long been famous as one of the largest species of snake. Females are also widely dispersed. It also has an instinct to hide to stay safe from predators. The snakes adult length is typically about 10 feet (3 metres), though individuals of more than 18 feet (5.5 metres) have been reported; Central American boas rarely exceed 8 feet (2.4 metres). To help lure a male, the female emits a scent from the cloaca that signals she is ready to breed. Burmese pythons are capable of ingesting an entire deer and can survive for months on this single meal. Humans, even children, are far outside the range of prey size taken by boas. How and why has deforestation occurred in the Amazon rainforest? The main bulk of their diet consists of small mammals, including bats, and birds. Usually about half of the female population is reproductive each year. [15] They include: The boa constrictor is a large snake, although it is only modestly sized in comparison to other large snakes, such as the reticulated python, Burmese python, or the occasionally sympatric green anaconda, and can reach lengths from 3 to 13ft (0.91 to 3.96m) depending on the locality and the availability of suitable prey. Instead, they have rows of long, recurved teeth of about the same size. Many require special care and live for a long time. Boa constrictors are very important in their ecosystem. Washington, DC 20008. The boa constrictor is usually a tan, gray, or cream-colored snake with saddle-shaped patches of dark brown or reddish-brown along its body. Boa constrictors can grow up to 13 ft. (4 m). This is because some venomous snakes have deadly bites. The subspecies B. c. occidentalis is on Appendix 1 of CITES. and across multiple seasons (or other periods hospitable to reproduction). Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Their teeth are small and hooked, which allows for a strong grip when the snake strikes its prey and prevents the prey from wiggling free while the snake wraps its powerful body around the victim. How are the feet of a frog adapted for swimming? Habitat Boa constrictors can be found in different habitats including rainforests, agricultural areas and deserts in trees or on the ground. Though the boa constrictor is found in a wide variety of habitats, it prefers the rainforests in its range due to the high humidity and temperatures of such habitat. Boa constrictors range from northern Mexico south through Central and South America. Members are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research. Emerald tree boas are perhaps the best example in the group, as their green coloration makes them all but invisible in the jungle canopy. It is easy to obtain boa constrictors that have been captive bred for generations, increasing their affinity for humans. When this occurs, the snake's eye can be seen to cloud up as this substance comes between its eye and the old eye-covering. However, they are generally brown, grey, or cream base color, patterned with brown or reddish-brown "saddles" that become more pronounced towards the tail. [18] The largest documented non-stretched dry skin is deposited at Zoologische Staatssammlung Mnchen (ZSM 4961/2012) and measures 14.6ft (4.45 m) without head. Some of the reptiles and amphibians that live in the tropical rainforest are poison dart frogs, boa constrictors, green anacondas, reticulated pythons . This helps the snakes to span long distances between contact points on a tree. What we can learn from Chernobyl's strays. The number of boa constrictor subspecies is disputed, ranging from 6 to 11. Accessed (Chiaraviglio, et al., 2003; Mattison, 2007; O'Shea, 2007; Stafford, 1986), Boa constrictors occupy a variety of habitats. It takes the snake about 46 days to fully digest the food, depending on the size of the prey and the local temperature. How do bears adapt to a temperate forest? Diet and Nutrition. Depending on the habitat that a boa constrictor occupies, its patterns and coloring vary to allow it to camouflage. at http://apps.isiknowledge.com.proxy2.cl.msu.edu/full_record.do?product=WOS&search_mode=GeneralSearch&qid=18&SID=3CdeLbP2E5edFCLGO8P&page=7&doc=70. Along the sides, there are rhomboid, dark marks. Second, there is a dark triangle between the snout and the eye. (O'Shea, 2007; Stafford, 1986), Boa constrictors are solitary, associating with conspecifics only to mate. They generally spend the day hiding from these predators, and emerge at night, which allows tree boas to access two important food sources: rodents and frogs -- both of which are also generally nocturnal. [38] The female then gives birth to young that average 1520in (3851cm) in length. Accessed The Guianas host five species: the boa constrictor (Boa Like itscousin,the green anaconda, the boa constrictorhas impressive swimming abilities. Teeth are continuously replaced; particular teeth being replaced at any one time alternate, so that a snake never loses the ability to bite in any part of its mouth. Its range is wide, from Argentina to northern Mexico. These snakes are viviparous, giving birth to live young. A majority of the world's reptiles are found in the tropics, including tropical South America. The maximum length reported in B. constrictor was slightly over 4 meters. Cryptic coloration, also known as camouflage, is an important aspect of survival for tree boas. Accessed They are commonly found in or along rivers and streams. [4], B. constrictor flourishes in a wide variety of environmental conditions, from tropical rainforests to arid semidesert country. Photograph by Axel Hilger, National Geographic Your Shot, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Boa constrictors rarely, if ever, attack humans except in self-defense. Food is digested by strong stomach acids. How do raccoons adapt to a deciduous forest? Young snakes live in smaller enclosures, but you must graduate them to larger habitats as they grow. The average litter has 25 young but can be anywhere from 10 to 64 young. Opossums in the tropics can be carriers for the human disease leishmaniasis, which is transferred by blood-feeding sand flies (Psychodidae) that parasitize the opossums. The boa constrictor is a member of the family Boidae, found in tropical South America, as well as some islands in the Caribbean. The boa's hunting technique is generally to ambush prey, such as rats, birds, monkeys, or wild pigs. How has the spider monkey adapted to the rainforest? In 2017, boa constrictors, along with Boa imperators and Burmese pythons, were found to contain a new set of sex determining chromosomes. Females take one or more mates during the breeding season. Boa constrictors reach sexual maturity at 2to 3years old. This helps the boa constrictor blend in with the ground foliage of its environment. First is a line that runs dorsally from the snout to the back of the head. How do amphibians survive in their environment? Animal Behavior, 52: 949-955. In 2010, a boa constrictor was shown to have reproduced asexually via parthenogenesis. boa constrictor, (Boa constrictor), large thick-bodied snake of the boa family, Boidae. But despite this abundance of species, our knowledge of many Amazon reptiles is still poor. How this animal can survive is a mystery. (Mattison, 2007; O'Shea, 2007; Pough, et al., 2004), Fertilization is internal, with mating facilitated by the pelvic spurs of males. The boa constrictor is adapted to life in the rainforest through its camouflage. [33] Half of all females breed in a given year, and a larger percentage of males actively attempt to locate a mate. (Bartlett and Bartlett, 2003; Mattison, 2007; O'Shea, 2007), Overcollection for the pet trade and needless direct persecution has had an impact on some B. constrictor populations. Boa constrictors are powerful snakes and stealthy hunters. 1996. Though all of the species have evolved along their own paths, they share similar adaptations, making them supremely adapted to their rainforest habitat. ortonii), Taboga Island boa constrictors (B.c. It may be hard to believe, but these snakes can be even larger than the biggest python. In this manner, they constantly sense chemical cues in their enviornment. How are Burmese pythons affecting the Everglades ecosystem? Like all snakes, Boa constrictors in a shed cycle are more unpredictable, because of the substance that lubricates between the old skin and the new one. Epiphytes and climbing plants are also abundant. Boa constrictors, whole or in parts, are also seen in local markets within their range, presumably as food or medicine. On the west side of the mountains, the range extends into Peru. The species is native to tropical South America. Boa constrictor, also called the red-tailed boa or the common boa, is a species of large, non-venomous, heavy-bodied snake that is frequently kept and bred in captivity. Boas are about 2 feet long when they are born and grow continually throughout their 25 to 30-year lifespan. They can rapidly strike at an animal that passes by a branch that they are suspended from, for example. Referring to something living or located adjacent to a waterbody (usually, but not always, a river or stream). [30] Their teeth also help force the animal down the throat while muscles then move it toward the stomach. Found in coastal areas between 30 and 40 degrees latitude, in areas with a Mediterranean climate. Boa constrictors are carnivorous creatures. Their diet includes a wide variety of small to medium-sized mammals and birds. The young will also eat small reptiles and amphibians. Males breed every year, but females may not. However, the damp rainforest biome and foliage create the best living environment for these huge snakes. at http://apps.isiknowledge.com.ezproxy1.ats.msu.edu/full_record.do?product=WOS&search_mode=GeneralSearch&qid=1&SID=1FBABe92cheDGF3aPf6&page=1&doc=2. How does a boa constrictor kill its prey? However, colours and markings frequently vary, not only among the subspecies but also among individuals in the same population. [17] Females commonly exceed 10ft (3.0m), particularly in captivity, where lengths up to 12ft (3.7m) or even 14ft (4.3m) can be seen. having markings, coloration, shapes, or other features that cause an animal to be camouflaged in its natural environment; being difficult to see or otherwise detect. Boa constrictors have good vision, even into the ultraviolet spectrum. While many others may be afraid of boa constrictors, there are very few cases of them attacking humans; even human babies are too large to be suitable prey for boa constrictors. How did the Burmese python become an invasive species? [24] Boa constrictors also have two lungs, a smaller (non-functional) left and an enlarged (functional) right lung to better fit their elongated shape, unlike many colubrid snakes, which have completely lost the left lung. It is a common sight in both zoos and private reptile collections. They are hunted and collected for their skin, which is considered exotic in many parts of the world. This material is based upon work supported by the It is commonly believed that boa constrictors subdue their prey by crushing their bones or squeezing their lungs to suffocate them, but recent research on the constriction method revealed that these snakes employ a different strategy all together. Snakes like 'anacondas', 'turtles', 'caimans', etc., can swim well; while 'stick insects' and 'chameleons' disappear in the . (Chiaraviglio, et al., 2003; Mattison, 2007; O'Shea, 2007; Stafford, 1986), As in most members of the family Boidae, boa constrictors possesses pelvic spurs. How do wetlands provide habitat for wildlife? The young are independent at birth and grow rapidly for the first few years, shedding regularly (once every one to two months). The litter size varies between females but can be between 10 and 65 young, with an average of 25. How does logging affect the Amazon rainforest? How are epiphytes adapted to the rainforest? Significantly smaller than anacondas, boas can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh more than 100 pounds. The boa constrictor is active from dusk to dawn, feeding on a wide variety of birds and mammals. [38] After this period, ovulation may not occur immediately, but the female can hold the sperm inside her for up to one year. Females may also have more than one mate in a season. Size Boa constrictors average 6 - 14 feet in length but can be as long as 18 feet. Additionally, pet trade breeders have created many new color morphs that are not seen in wild populations. Boa constrictors often occupy the burrows of medium-sized mammals, where they can hide from potential predators. Of all the boas, constrictors can livein the greatest variety of habitats ranging from sea level to moderate elevation, including deserts, wet tropical forests, open savannasand cultivated fields. Precipitation is typically not limiting, but may be somewhat seasonal. How does a boa constrictor protect itself? (Andrade and Abe, 1998; Bartlett and Bartlett, 2003; Mattison, 2007; O'Shea, 2007; Stafford, 1986). [22], The size and weight of a boa constrictor depends on subspecies, locale, and the availability of suitable prey. This is only the third genetically confirmed case of consecutive virgin births of viable offspring from a single female within any vertebrate lineage. The young are independent at birth and grow rapidly for the first few years, shedding regularly (once every 1 to 2 months). This article focuses on the species Boa constrictor as a whole, and on the nominate subspecies B. c. constrictor. Referring to an animal that lives in trees; tree-climbing. 2023 WILD SKY MEDIA. Instead of injecting poison into its prey, itstrikes, grabsand squeezes until the prey is subdued. Omissions? They are some of the largest snakes in the world and are known for their swimming . the region of the earth that surrounds the equator, from 23.5 degrees north to 23.5 degrees south. We thought we knew turtles. [39], This species does well in captivity, usually becoming quite tame. at http://apps.isiknowledge.com.ezproxy1.ats.msu.edu/full_record.do?product=WOS&search_mode=GeneralSearch&qid=11&SID=1FBABe92cheDGF3aPf6&page=1&doc=1. All rights reserved. The female then gives birth to young that average 15-20 in (38-51 cm) in length. Proper levels of heat and humidity (boas usually need a dry climate, otherwise their scales will develop rot) need to be observed. Depending on the habitat they are trying to blend into, their bodies can be tan, green, red, or yellow, and display cryptic patterns of jagged lines, ovals, diamonds, and circles. the kind of polygamy in which a female pairs with several males, each of which also pairs with several different females. ", Other common names include chij-chan (Mayan),[8] jiboia (Latin American), and macajuel (Trinidadian).[9]. For other uses, see, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T197462A2486405.en, "Phylogeographic and population genetic analyses reveal multiple species of, "Mesoamerican Lexical Calques in Ancient Maya Writing and Imagery", "The Boa Constrictor Subspecies Melanogaster", Boa Constrictor Fact Sheet Woodland Park Zoo Seattle WA, https://herpetologytt.blogspot.com/search?q=Boa+constrictor, "Boa constrictors' lethal secret revealed", "Stable isotope tracer reveals that viviparous snakes transport amino acids to offspring during gestation", "Who's Your Daddy? Who buys lion bones? The body can be tan, green, red, or yellow and will have cryptic patterns that form bars, jagged lines, diamonds, and circles. Boa constrictors can sense heat via cells in their lips, though they lack the labial pits surrounding these receptors seen in many members of the family Boidae. Unique Characteristics of the Boa Constrictor, Types of Snakes That Live in the Rainforest, Snakes That Look Like Rattlesnakes But Are Not. Captive life expectancy is 20 to 30 years, with rare accounts of over 40 years,[40] making them a long-term commitment as a pet. The young spend most of their time up in trees while they grow to be heavy and large, at which point they spend more time on the ground. National Science Foundation As nocturnal animals, boa constrictors hunt at night. The boa constrictor uses its camouflaged invisibility to sneak up on prey, while tiny rain forest grasshoppers have developed near-transparent coloring to blend in with leaves. boa constrictor, (Boa constrictor), large thick-bodied snake of the boa family, Boidae. Prime Real Estate The ground floor and lower canopies of the rain forest bustle with wildlife. [16] Clear sexual dimorphism is seen in the species, with females generally being larger in both length and girth than males. They are named after their mode of predation: constriction. Males possess hemipenes, a double-penis, of which only one side is commonly used in mating. Boa constrictors are found from northern Mexico to Argentina. Stafford, P. 1986. Feeding responses in young boa constrictors are mediated by the vomeronasal system. Dorsally the background color is cream or brown that is marked with dark "saddle-shaped" bands. It depends. Boa constrictor, also called the red-tailed boa or the common boa, is a species of large, non-venomous, heavy-bodied snake that is frequently kept and bred in captivity. Slow moving and of a mild temperament, it is easily tamed. However, if food is scarce, theybecome more active to seek out prey. sabogae), Bolivian boa constrictors (B.c. occidentalis), Peruvian boa constrictors (B.c. Of all the boas, constrictors can livein the greatest variety of habitats. [38] When the female ovulates, a midbody swell can be noticed that appears similar to the snake having eaten a large meal. The species is native to tropical South America. How do humans survive in the Amazon rainforest? A substance that provides both nutrients and energy to a living thing. mexicana), black-bellied boa constrictors (B.c. In Boa constrictor ortonii, native to Peru, markings on the tail are red rather than brown, and the tail pattern is distinct. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The introduction of boa constrictors and other large, nonnative snakes into southern Florida has had devastating consequences on habitats that are already under immense pressure due to human development, the dispersal of nonnative speciesand climate change. Currently acknowledged subspecies include: B. c. constrictor, B. c. orophias, B. c. imperator, B. c. occidentalis, B. c. ortonii, B. c. sabogae, B. c. amarali, B. c. nebulosa (Dominican boa, recently elevated to full species), and B. c. longicauda. Boa constrictors have also been hunted for their meat and skins, and are a common sight at markets within their geographic range. Sillman, A., J. Johnson, E. Loew. Adaptations for Feeding Constrictors that inhabit forests have flexible skulls and jaws which can unhinge to swallow huge prey items. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Their prey includes a wide variety of small to medium-sized mammals and birds. The head is not particularly large, but it is distinctly wider than the neck. The large South American reptile is at home in tropical rainforests and deserts. Gestation lasts for 5 to 8 months depending on local temperatures. This is especially effective against mammals and birds whose warm-blooded metabolism demands oxygen at a rapid rate. Specimens from Central America are more irascible, hissing loudly and striking repeatedly when disturbed, while those from South America tame down more readily. How do people get around in the Amazon rainforest? Polymorphism in a local population can be an adaptation to prevent density-dependent predation, where predators preferentially prey on the most common morph. Taxon Information [44], In some regions, boa constrictor numbers have been severely hit by predation from humans and other animals and over-collection for the exotic pet and snakeskin trades. Boa Constrictor Care You need an enclosure that fits the size of your snake. For some long COVID patients, exercise is bad medicine, Radioactive dogs? living in the Nearctic biogeographic province, the northern part of the New World. Please be respectful of copyright. a north-to-south decrease in size) is not polymorphism. In some areas boas constrictors can play a large role in controlling populations of pest rodents and opossums (Didelphidae). Like most snakes, the boa constrictor flicks its tongue from side to side, which allows it to detect odors. Journal of Experimental Zoology, 290(4): 359-365. [26] Like all snakes, boa constrictors in a shed cycle are more unpredictable, because the substance that lubricates between the old skin and the new makes their eyes appear milky, blue, or opaque so that the snake cannot see very well, causing it to be more defensive than it might otherwise be. 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Abnormalities in a litter of Boa constrictor amarali. A new discovery raises a mystery. Boa constrictors are ovoviviparous; embryos develop within their mothers' bodies. 2003. What Animal Hangs Upside Down From a Tree in the Rainforest? 2004. Many have long thin bodies with angled scales on their bellies which help the snakes to grip branches. They also move well on the ground and can be found occupying the burrows of medium-sized mammals. [27] The bulk of their diet consists of rodents (such as squirrels, mice, rats and agoutis), but larger lizards (such as ameivas, iguanas and tegus) and mammals as big as monkeys, marsupials, wild pigs and ocelots are also reported to have been consumed. How do amphibian and reptile hatchlings differ from each other? Accessed They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. They are listed under CITES Appendix II, and the subspecies B. c. occidentalis is listed on Appendix I. An introduced population exists in extreme southern Florida,[25] and a small population on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands now appears to be reproducing in the wild. As such, female boas in inadequate physical condition are unlikely to attempt to mate, or to produce viable young if they do mate. Boa constrictors capture prey through ambush hunting, although occasionally they actively hunt. scrub forests develop in areas that experience dry seasons. The boa constrictor ( Boa constrictor) is a massive snake that is found in forests throughout the Americas and also the Caribbean islands. December 05, 2008 They are also common in the pet trade, though pet owners are often unaware of how quickly they grow from a small neonate to a large adult. Boa constrictors are found in the jungles and rainforests of Central and South America. However, Dominican populations which will occasionally den together. mountainous tropical rainforest, coastal scrubs and marshes, and secondary-growth forests (Greene 1983; Smith 1999).The species is commonly found in or along rivers and streams, and is a capable swimmer . This stone has a mysterious past beyond British coronations, Ultimate Italy: 14 ways to see the country in a new light, 6 unforgettable Italy hotels, from Lake Como to Rome, A taste of Rioja, from crispy croquettas to piquillo peppers, Trek through this stunning European wilderness, Land of the lemurs: the race to save Madagascar's sacred forests, A boa constrictor photographed at Lincoln Children's Zoo in Nebraska, Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark. They are nocturnal, but they may bask during the day when night-time temperatures are too low. the business of buying and selling animals for people to keep in their homes as pets. Boa Constrictor Behaviour The Boa Constrictor has no venom unlike many other snakes, but when threatened they will hiss and strike their opponent, their bite can be very, very painful. Reproduction Boas bear live young and may have as many as 50 or more infants during birth. It takes boa constrictors 4 to 6 days to fully digest a meal. This boa constrictor was named Popeye and died in the Philadelphia Zoo, Pennsylvania, on April 15, 1977. Boas are nonvenomous constrictors found in tropical Central and South America. At least 9 subspecies are currently recognized by some authorities, although many of these are poorly defined and future research will undoubtedly modify this taxonomy. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. They are a large species of non-venomous snake that kills its prey through constriction rather than through venomous injections. During shedding, the skin splits over the snout and eventually peels back from the rest of the body. They are both terrestrial and arboreal. Fire and grazing are important in the long-term maintenance of grasslands. Boa constrictors are able to adjust their hunting behaviors according to the density of possible prey items in their habitat. Third, this dark triangle is continued behind the eye, where it slants downward towards the jaw. Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor) Michelle T. Christy and Win Kirkpatrick 2017 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development . Laurel Lindemann (author), Michigan State University, James Harding (editor, instructor), Michigan State University. The bigger it gets, the bigger its preferred prey becomes. Grants DRL 0089283, DRL 0628151, DUE 0633095, DRL 0918590, and DUE 1122742. Most of these subspecies are distinguished largely by their range rather than appearance, but regional (subspecific) variation in form, size, and coloration does occur. Make a donation to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today! What do Emerald tree boas habitat? However, they will eat any animal they can capture and fit in their mouths. Four subspecies are currently recognized.