The boa constrictor is a heavy-bodied snake, and large specimens can weigh up to 27 kg (60 lb). A report of a boa constrictor growing up to 18.5 ft (5.6 m) was later found to be a misidentified green anaconda. Females commonly exceed 10 ft (3.0 m), particularly in captivity, where lengths up to 12 ft (3.7 m) or even 14 ft (4.3 m) can be seen. As such, the usual size of mature female boas is between 7 and 10 ft (2.1 and 3.0 m), and 6 and 8 ft (1.8 and 2.4 m) for the males. Clear sexual dimorphism is seen in the species, with females generally being larger in both length and girth than males. The boa constrictor is a large snake, although it is only modestly sized in comparison to other large snakes, such as the reticulated python and Burmese python, and can reach lengths from 3–13 ft (0.91–3.96 m) depending on the locality and the availability of suitable prey. Physical description and anatomy Size and weight Other common names include chij-chan (Mayan), jiboia (Latin American), and macajuel (Trinidadian). imperator, which is also regularly, and erroneously, referred to as a 'red-tailed boa' or 'common boa'. Within the exotic pet trade, it is also known as a 'BCC', an abbreviation of its scientific name, to distinguish it from other boa constrictor subspecies such as B.

constrictor, is often referred to specifically as the 'red-tailed boa'. Though all boids are constrictors, only this species is properly referred to as a 'boa constrictor' - a rare instance of an animal having the same common English name and scientific binomial name.Īll subspecies are referred to as 'boa constrictors', while the nominate subspecies, B.

Colombian boa constrictor