Types of Boas

Boa constrictors are very large, carnivorous snakes that slowly suffocate their prey before swallowing them whole. These snakes can grow as long as 13 feet. It's because of their mild temperament and lack of venom that some species, including the red-tailed boa, have become popular pets in recent years. While not all boas make good house pets, there are some types that are less likely to pose a threat to humans and other household pets than their reputation would suggest.

  1. Amaral's Boa

    • Amaral's boas are typically found in Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. Unlike larger species, Amaral's boas do not grow much larger than 5 to 6 feet in length. They have short orange or brown tails and brown bodies. Their bellies are usually gray with speckles. It is uncommon to find these snakes living in captivity. They are capable of living in trees or on the ground. In their natural habitat, they feed on birds, lizards and other mammals. Pet Amaral's boas are content to eat mice, rabbits and rats.

    Red-tailed Boa

    • The red-tailed boa is typically tan with dark diamonds or spots across its backside. It can grow to between 8 and 11 feet long, making it one of the more moderate-sized boa species. They are popular pets because of their even temperament and manageable size, but they are wily and can easily escape cages and enclosures if not properly secured. They come from the rain forests of South America and eat rabbits, rats or other small mammals and must only be fed one mammal every two weeks. They are more active at night than during the day.

    Common Northern Boa

    • Native to Central America, the common Northern boa is found all over the world in captivity. It is one of the smaller species of boa constrictor, with an average full-grown length of only 100 inches. It is light colored, with a darker pink or orange tail. The species is commonly found in captivity and it may be nearly extinct in the wild.

    Tumbes Peru Boa

    • This rare species is not usually found in captivity. It comes from the province of Tumbes in Northern Peru and is characterized by its tan or yellowish body and spear-shaped head markings and dark gray or black stripes across its backside. It can grow to 7 feet in length and has a long tail.

    Ecuadorian Boa

    • The Ecuadorian boa is a hardy species that reaches around 6 feet in length. Because of its even temperament and accessibility, it makes a good pet for people interested in owning large snakes, although it is not a common house pet, outside of Germany. Like other boas, it feeds on rats, rabbits and small mammals. The species is brown or tan, with darkish markings across its backside and a lighter underbelly.

    St. Lucia Boa

    • Also known as Tete Chien, the St. Lucia boa constrictor is characterized by a yellow belly with black spots. The boa's backside is light brown with a brown line on its head that runs from its snout to its eyes, giving its face the appearance of a dog. It has no fangs, but it has hundreds of tiny hook-like teeth that help it grip its prey while it suffocates. It consumes its prey whole, taking up to two weeks to digest. It feeds on small mammals, such as rats, rabbits or mice. It is one of four species of snakes found on St. Lucia Island and it's considered a protected species, so it may not be hunted for food or trade.

    Argentine Boa

    • The Argentine boa is a nocturnal snake that feeds on rats and other small mammals. It is considered docile, but it may become aggressive when challenged or afraid. It can grow to 12 feet in length, is brown and gray, with a spotted gray belly. It has a long stripe on either side of its head, leading to its snout. It is native to Argentina and Paraguay, and is restricted from importation due to its status as a threatened species.