Coastal Rosy Boa Snake

scientific name

Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca

size

Length. ~3'

characteristics

Adaptations/Coloration. slate beige or rosy with 3 broad brown longitudinal stripes or irregular brown patches " male has well-developed anal spur - female occasionally
Body. heavy
Eyes. small " vertical pupils
Head. only slightly wider than neck

behavior

nocturnal " crepuscular
Climb. good climber
Defense. may roll into ball " scent gland near cloaca from which it exudes a foul-smelling liquid (common to many snakes)
Food. constricts food " doesn't require permanent water source - can survive on body water of victims
Movement. slow moving " non-aggressive

reproduction/life span

Eggs. hatch internally
Birth. autumn " 5-10 " born live
Misc.. females may be able to store sperm

diet

carnivorous
Wild. small mammals & birds
Zoo. mice

habitat/range

rocky brush land " deserts " southern California & Baja peninsula

status

CITES II (all Boids) " all native reptiles suffering from habitat loss " many species protected " illegal to collect them for pet trade & to take out of wild for any reason

oregon zoo exhibit

Education Programs