Coastal Rosy Boa

scientific name

Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca

size/weight/height

Length: ~3'

adaptations/coloration

Color: slate beige or rosy with 3 broad brown longitudinal stripes or irregular brown patches
Anal Spur: male's is well-developed - female has occasionally
Body: heavy
Eyes: small " vertical pupils
Head: only slightly wider than neck

behavior

nocturnal " crepuscular
Aggression: non-aggressive
Climbing: good climber
Defense: may roll into ball " scent gland near cloaca from which it exudes a foul-smelling liquid (common to many snakes)
Food: kills by constriction
Movement: slow moving

reproduction/lifespan

Birth: 5-10 young
Birthing: bears young live " eggs hatch internally in autumn " females may be able to store sperm

diet

carnivorous
Wild: small mammals & birds
Zoo: mice
Water: doesn't require permanent water source - can survive on body water of animals eaten

habitat/range

rocky brushland " deserts " southern California & Baja peninsula

status

CITES II (all Boids) " All native reptiles are suffering from habitat loss " It is illegal to collect them for pet trade " Many species are protected & it is illegal to take them out of the wild for any reason.

oregon zoo exhibit

Education Programs