Tree boa
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 Amazon tree boa, Corallus hortulanus, from Peru
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Corallus annulatus |
While there are numerous arboreal boas, tree boa most oftens refers to the genus Corallus. This genus contains about seven species, though taxonomic re-arrangements are common. All species are long, slightly laterally flattened, with thin bodies and large heads. They typically have large eyes (though this is less pronounced in large species like the Emerald tree boa, Corallus caninus), boxy heads, and highly elongated anterior teeth, which are often several times the length one would expect for a snake of their size. These huge teeth can penetrate layers of feathers to get a firm grip on birds, their primary prey. All members of the genus are highly nocturnal, and have large numbers of very pronounced heat-sensing pits along their lips.
Two species are frequently imported as display animals, the Amazon tree boa, Corallus hortulanus, and the Emerald tree boa, Corallus caninus. "Pet" is not a term one would apply to these species, as most, if not all, have a highly aggressive demeanor, and will strike readily. Their stunning coloration makes them popular, but their specialized habitat and feeding make them suitable only for advanced keepers.
[edit] Species
- Northern Annulated Tree Boa Corallus annulatus (Edward Cope, 1876)
- Colombian Annulated Tree Boa, Corallus annulatus colombianus (Rendahl&Vestergren)
- Ecuadorian Annulated Tree Boa Corallus blombergi (Rendahl&Vestregren, 1941)
- Emerald Tree Boa, Corallus caninus (Linnaeus, 1758)
- Cook's Tree Boa, Corallus cookii (Gray, 1852)
- Cropan's Boa, Corallus copanii (Hoge, 1953)
- Grenadian Bank Tree Boa, Corallus grenadensis (Barbour, 1914)
- Amazon tree boa, Corallus hortulanus (Linnaeus, 1758)
- Central American Tree Boa, Corallus ruschenbergerii (Cope, 1786)
