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Last updated : 11/03/2007

This page is indexed on our home page under Aspect: 8. Links - Species Specific and the Section: Snakes: Boas

Introduction

This page contains a selection of the best links found on the reptile species: Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria). The navigation table on the top left will take you directly to the defined topics, such as  Natural Habitat, Captive care, Breeders, Pictures, More information, Other information and Taxonomy.

Please feel free to advise any incorrect allocations or descriptions and to request any additional links to your favorite website on this subject.

A brief snippet about Rainbow Boa

A brief introduction to the species will be inserted here ..... coming soon! In the interim we have a number of links on the species, listed on this page.

General description: A round-bodied terrestrial boa of medium build. The head is not particularly large, but it is distinctly wider than the neck. This is a soft-skinned boa with great iridescence in its skin. Brazilian rainbow boas are brown or reddish brown snakes. There are three parallel black stripes on the top of the head and large black ocelli down the back that give the appearance of dorsal blotches. The round lateral blotches are black with an orange or reddish crescent across the top.

Distribution Northern South America: Amazon basin Brazil (as the name implies), but also Surinam, Guyana, and parts of Peru. Wild Status Brazilian rainbow boas fairly widespread throughout their range, yet habitat destruction & human encroachment threaten wild populations. Description Brazilian rainbow boas are slender snakes, typically bright orange, red, or reddish-brown in color. The dorsal pattern consists of dark brown or black rings that start behind the head and continue down the length of the body. Lateral markings are cresent-shaped yellow or orange blotches, and the entire body reflects a rainbow iridescence.

Rainbow boas are so named because of the iridescent sheen imparted by microscopic ridges on their scales which act like prisms to refract light into rainbows. They can be found from Costa Rica through central South America in forests, woodlands, plains and swamps. They are primarily nocturnal creatures, sleeping during the day and prowling at night. Rainbow boas range from 3.5 to 7 feet in length and can live for 20 years in captivity.

Firstly consider the species you wish to keep. Colombians (Epicrates cenchria maurus) are probably the easiest, hardiest and cheapest. Brazilians are also relatively easy, and the cheapest of the ‘red’ sub-species, with Peruvian (Epicrates cenchria gaigei) and Marajo Island (Epicrates cenchria barbouri) being considerably more expensive. Argentinean (Epicrates cenchria alverezi) Rainbow Boas are not suitable as a first snake, but will be no problem to an experienced keeper. Just about all the other sub-species are of equal difficulty and will be easily kept by experienced keepers, but are not totally suitable to the first time keeper.

About Us: We specialize in producing beautiful Brazilian Rainbow Boas (Epicrates Cenchria Cenchria) from high orange & red adults. We chose the brazilian form for their bright colors & iridescence that is kept throught adulthood.

I am working with a large number of Rainbow Boas, below is a list of those of current breeding age. I am always pleased to hear from other Rainbow Boa breeders and would be especially pleased to speak with other Peruvian (Epicrates cenchria gaigei) and Marajo Island (Epicrates cenchria barbouri) Rainbow Boa breeders.

Pictures of all the subspecies of Rainbow Boas :- Argentine | Brazilian | Colombian | Guyanan | Marajo Island | Peruvian

Photos and images of the Boa - Brazilian Rainbow: Photos on this page are contributed by visitors to this site. If you have a good quality photo of this animal, feel free to submit it using the link above. Your photos help to educate others about this animal.

Brazilian Rainbow Boas, Epicrates cenchria cenchria are the most commonly kept and bred of the Epicrates cenchria subspecies. The other subspecies include the Colombian Rainbow Boa, Epicrates cenchria maurus, and the Argentinian Rainbow boa, Epicrates cenchria alvarezi which are both bred in fair numbers by breeders here in the United States.

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Last updated : 13-01-2008