COMMON NAME

Emerald Tree Boa

LATIN NAME

Corallus caninus

NATIVE TO

Amazon Basin (South America)

ADULT SIZE

Grows to about 5 feet/1.6m. Lifespan of around 15-20 years

EGGS OR YOUNG?

Live bearing with litters of 2-15 young. Gestation period of about 200-250 days.

APPEARANCE

This is a beautiful boa with a strong resemblance to the Green Tree Python. Juveniles are red or orange but their colour changes to green during the first year. It has a row of white markings along the back and large, prominent heat pits

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Feed them pre-killed small rats or mice. Feed every two weeks or so in the early to late evening when the lights are off. Prey should be offered below eye level. They have very slow metabolisms so do not overfeed.

EASE OF CARE

Experience required

TEMPERAMENT

These boas are highly arboreal and rarely descend to the ground. They are usually quite aggressive and can be difficult to establish. Once settled, they can be relatively easy to care for.

VIVARIUM SETUP

A roomy and tall vivarium is required. Several secured climbing branches (or wooden dowels) are essential for this arboreal species. Robust climbing plants such as Philodendron can be planted to provide more cover. Alternatively, use some fake greenery. Provide a hide box and a large water bowl for soaking. High humidity of 70-80%. Mist vivarium daily to raise humidity and provide drinking water. Daytime temperature of 75-80F/24-27C dropping to 70-72F/21-22C at night (if kept too warm, you can kill these animals easily). Under-tank heatpad and basking light required. A 15 to 25 watt bulb is more than enough to provide lighting to an emerald tree boa cage. No UV lighting is required.

SUBSTRATE

Green moss, vermiculite, cypress mulch, spagnum or peat moss or sterile potting soil.