Columbian Red Tail Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator)
The Columbian Red Tail Boa Constrictor is so called because it originates in Columbia and has reddish-brown markings or patterns on its tail. The Red Tail is a different variety of boa constrictor. Their habitat consists of woodlands, semi-arid forests and rain forest.
This is a nocturnal snake, spending the day hiding among rocks and tree roots. They are not considered great climbers due to their size. Small branches just can\’t support the weight. Some of these boas have also been seen under water, especially during the heat of the day.
This species will get to amazing lengths of 6 to 10 feet, some get as long as 12 feet, and can live up to 30 years. Females are usually larger than males. Captive specimens are very docile and adapt to being handled, but handling such an enormous snake requires extreme caution. They can become aggressive without warning.
The Red Tail Boas have a non-venomous bite, but uses its bite to grasp the prey and quickly coils around it, squeezing and eventually suffocating the prey. They do not always hunt their prey, but often camouflage themselves and wait for the prey to walk by. The have heat sensing nerves on their lips to help them locate their food. They will feed on mice, rats, rabbits, birds, lizards and other small mammals. Generally, they only eat a few times a month.
Like all boas, females give live birth to 15-40 young in one clutch. She does not offer any protection or guidance once they are born, so the young have to fend for themselves.
Information courtesy of bigappleherp.com, nurturedbynature.org/redtailedboa.html
Photo courtesy of petinfospot.com