The boa constrictor (scientific name also Boa constrictor), also known as the common boa, is a species of large, non-venomous, heavy-bodied snake that is frequently kept and bred in captivity. The boa constrictor is a member of the family Boidae. The species is native to tropical South America. A staple of private collections and public displays, its color pattern is highly variable yet distinctive. Four subspecies are recognized.
Common names
Though all boids are indeed constrictors, only Boa constrictor (and its subspecies) is commonly referred to in English as a boa constrictor—the only case of a living animal species being referred to colloquially using its scientific binomial name.
The species and subspecies of B. constrictor are part of a variable, diverse group of New World boids referred to as "red-tailed" boas, comprising the species Boa constrictor and Boa imperator. Within the exotic pet trade, it is known as a "BCC"—an abbreviation of its name—to distinguish it from other boa species, such as Boa imperator ("BCI", for "boa constrictor imperator").
Other regional names include the chij-chan (Mayan), jiboia (Portuguese), dagwe (Sranan Tongo), and macajuel (Trinidadian).
Subspecies
Several subspecies of Boa constrictor have been described in the past, but many of these are poorly differentiated, and further research may redefine many of them. Some appear to be based more on location rather than on biological differences. Boa imperator, Boa nebulosa, Boa orophias and Boa sigma have all been elevated to full species status.
Scientific name
Taxon author
Common name
Geographic range
Etymology
B. c. constrictor
Linnaeus, 1758
red-tailed boa constrictor or red-tailed boa
South America except for the ranges of the other three subspecies
B. c. longicauda
Price & Russo, 1991
long-tailed boa constrictor or long-tailed boa
northern Peru
B. c. occidentalis
Philippi, 1873
Argentine boa constrictor or Argentine boa
Argentina and...
