Emerald Tree Boa
(Corallus caninus [see notes])
Familie: Boas (Boidae)
Orden: Squamates or Scaly Reptiles (Squamata).		 Click to see large distribution map

Size:  1,4-1,8 m.
Distribution:  Amazonian and Guyanan regions of South America (Brazil, French Guiana, Surinam, Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia).
Notes:  According to recent research, the Emerald Tree Boa is in fact composed of two separate species: the Northern Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus) and the Southern Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus batesii). Our snakes belong to the latter species.

References:

Bartlett, R.D. & Bartlett, P. 2003. Reptiles and amphibians of the Amazon. An ecotourist's guide. University Press of Florida, Gainesville. 292 pp.

Henderson, R.W.; Passos, P.; Feitosa, D. 2009. Geographic variation in the emerald treeboa, Corallus caninus (Squamata: Boidae). Copeia 2009(3): 572-582.

Vidal, N. & al. 2005. A phylogenetic study of the emerald treeboa. Journal of Herpetology 39(3): 500-503.

Walls, J.G. 1998. The living boas. A complete guide to the boas of the world. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City. 288 pp.









Text & layout:
Rune Midtgaard
Gallery Home
Emerald Boa in typical rest position.
© Rune Midtgaard.
The Emerald Boa shares the pitted scales of the lower lip with other boas and pythons. The pits contain heat-sensitive organs, which help the snake localize warm-blooded prey (mammals and birds) in the dark of the night.
© Rune Midtgaard.