Boa Snake

Rubber Boa Snake

Facts, Identification & Control

Latin Name

Charinaumbraticaor Charinabottae

Appearance

The scientific name for Rubber boa was derived from the Greek word for delightful or graceful while its generally know name came from its skin appearance. There are two types the boas, one is of the united state origin while the rossy boa, Lichanuratrivirgata is the second. It is sparsely available in the western united states, the genus Charina is of two species which include; the Southern rubber boa, Charinaumbratica, and the Northern rubber boa, Charinabottae. Lots of Scientist argued that the southern rubber boa should be a specie under the Northern rubber boa.

The rubber boa is a big snake with smooth and tiny scales. The scales are mostly shiny on a skin that is wrinkled from which its popular name is derived. Both the Northern and Southern rubber boas share the same colour mixtures. The adult may have light tan belly with the skin looking light tan to dark brown or black. The rubber boa may be considered the smaller specie of the boas. Adult length is usually under three feet. It may be seen in different places from grassland to forest areas. It also has the capacity to survive in mountainous areas. It is not favoured by dry climatic condition as against other boas but it does survive in warm and moist environment. Rubber boa is unique in the sense that it remains active in temperatures considered too cold for other reptiles. Also, Rubber boa often disappears during cold winter months to hide till warm spring temperature comes.

Behavior, Diet & Habits

In the early spring, when it comes back the rubber boa snake looks out for mate in other to reproduce. It can reproduce up to nine babies at a time which maybe up to nine inches in length. The young ones are usually more colourful, vibrant and looks like the adult. The rubber boas whether young or old feed on various kinds of small mammals, amphibians and lizards.

More Information

The rubber boa snake does not have venom. If endangered, it often keeps its head and rolls the other of its body into round shape exposing only the tail which then looks like the head. The rubber boa snake has its own defence mechanism in which it brings out a strong odour that keeps enemies at a distant. This way, the snake prevent damage to its tail. As a result of its gentle behavior, it has been used to help people overcome their fright of snakes.