Main Characteristics

Emerald Tree Boas are very similar to the green tree python. They are bright green in colour with a yellow coloured underside. They have an irregular zigzag stripe along their back and they reach lengths between 1.5 and 2 m (5 - 5.5 ft).

They have a strong prehensile tail which helps them to move around between the branches of trees. They spend their days coiled over branches with their head resting in the middle of the coils and they hunt at night.

Their eyes have vertical pupils which help them to sense movement and they have deep pits in the scales around their mouth for detecting heat given off by their prey.

Habitat

Emerald Tree Boas are found in the rainforests of northern South America. They are solitary and they spend their life among the branches of trees, only descending to the ground to move between them.

Diet

Emerald Tree Boas are non-venomous carnivores that feed on small mammals and birds. Juveniles also sometimes feed on small reptiles and amphibians.

Breeding

Female Emerald Tree Boas retain fertilized eggs inside their body while each young snake develops within their shell, being nourished by its yolk. When they are fully developed they hatch inside the female and she gives birth to 10 - 20 live young that are approximately 30 cms (12 inches) in length.

The young snakes are brick-red, orange, bright red or yellow in colour and they change to their characteristic green after a year.

Predators

Predators of Emerald Tree Boas include birds of prey.

Interesting Facts

Emerald Tree Boas are also known as:
Green Tree Boa
Emerald Boa

The Emerald Tree Boa is often kept as an exotic pet.

Emerald Tree Boas have a life expectancy of approximately 20 years.

Similar Animals

Amazon Tree Boa
Central American Tree Boa
Cook's Tree Boa
Cropan's Boa
Grenadian Bank Tree Boa