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This view, from the mouth of lovers of the tropics and various exotic animals, sounds like an aboma. In Latin, Epicrates cenchria is a kind of snake that does not have poison. Belongs to the genus of smooth-lipped boas.
Description
This boa is practically the only snake that lives on the continents. Included in the genus Epicrates. This includes many different reptiles, and the rainbow boa is one of the representatives. The length of the snake reaches two meters. The difference from the other species is in the flakes of a rather large size, distributed evenly around the eyes of the boa.
Reptile coloration is usually done in brown or dark red. On the scales there are large spots of light shades. The contour of each spot is a dark ring. The sides of a boa constrictor are darker and much smaller.On them you can see a bright strip. The belly is a cluster of dark spots of small size. When sunlight falls on the scales of a boa constrictor, you can enjoy an amazing sight. It begins to shine and sparkle with various colors of the rainbow spectrum.
Main types
In total, among smooth-boa boas, there are about 7 species of snakes. Among them are such types of rainbow representatives, such as:
- Colombian;
- Jamaican;
- Ford;
- Peruvian;
- and etc.
The main feature among the young serpent is the presence of a brown strip along the back. The strip is wide and has bright specks of almost beige color. Among older individuals, the most popular reddish color. Boas can also boast of their overflow of scales when exposed to sunlight.
Habitat
Viviparous species inhabit America. Most often found in tropics saturated with humidity, as well as in the territory of savannas. In Paraguay, you can also find boas. They are also found in Brazil. Sometimes species of these reptiles are found in the West Indies.
Life boa
Practically most of the time of the boa constricted on the ground Especially often you can find quite old individuals. Young people like to periodically crawl into the trees.
Walking through the tropics, you can stumble upon a rainbow boar buried in leaves or soil. So they hide from the heat. Also, all of them are excellent swimmers, and therefore these reptiles can be found in various bodies of water.
The minimum life expectancy of a rainbow boa is 12 years. However, in good climatic conditions, the absence of enemies and the constant availability of food, a boa can live up to 20 years or more.
The enemies
In fact, the reptile has many enemies. The main hunters for rainbow boas:
- Large birds of prey.
- Caymans and other wild pigs.
- Jaguars
Also hedgehog can attack hedgehog, monitor lizard or coyote. A great danger threatens the snake from kites and mongooses.
Boa as a pet
The so-called domestication of snakes became widespread in modern society. And rainbow boa is no exception. Most often, people prefer to settle non-poisonous snakes at home. A rainbow boa is great in this case, and also pleases its owners with its coloring and minimal care requirements.
Boa dwelling
An excellent option for keeping a boa constrictor in an apartment will be a terrarium. It is best to choose a container with thick walls of great height in order to avoid the escape of the snake. Horizontal terrariums suit boas that live in hardwood floors.
The most important condition is to observe temperature conditions and humidity in order to make the boa's stay comfortable. It is known that the snake belongs to cold-blooded animals, and therefore maintaining the temperature and humidity indicators at a level is so important. For example, you can set the device for automatic heating. Also suitable model of a terrarium with a built-in thermal sensor. In order to monitor the humidity, you need to install a hygrometer. The optimum percentage of moisture is approximately 80%.
At the bottom of the terrarium is arranged layer of drainage and soil. Subsequently, there will grow orchids. It will not be superfluous to put inside the wood snags or branches so that the boa builds shelter.
Nutrition
The main food for reptiles - rodents and small birds. So to provide a suitable food snake will not be so difficult. Newborn pups should be given just born mice.
The frequency of feeding and the amount of feed produced depends on:
- Age
- Weights
- Personal preference of the animal.
Most often it is necessary to feed young individuals, as well as to increase the number of meals for pregnant females. In this case, feeding is carried out once every five days. The usual boas feed can be given twice a week.
The most important thing is to provide a boa with water. To do this, you should put in the terrarium a device that tracks the amount of liquid in the drinker.
Caution
Rainbow boas are quite peaceful. You can not believe the constant warnings about the aggressiveness and bloodthirstiness of the animal. There were actually very few such cases.Of course, in the wild, a boa is able to drag a person into the water and strangle him, but for this to happen, the reptile must either be very frightened or well angry.
There are species of boas with exceptionally interesting behavior in case of danger. For example, Cuban boas immediately rolled into a ball. In addition, their eyes become red, and blood begins to drip from the mouth.
An irritated boa can warn of his condition with a hiss. So, if the pet starts to sizzle on the owner, then it is worth it to leave the exotic one alone.
Breeding
In order for offspring to appear, it is necessary to place a boa in the terrarium to the male. Usually there are two males for each female. If successful, the pregnant female will bear the fruit for five months.
Boa babies have very bright coloring. If it is correct to provide feed to small pets, then soon they will gain considerable weight and add in length. For example, at twelve months, their length can reach a meter.
What you should pay attention to when buying a snake
Price
How much a boa will cost depends on the following factors:
- how many boas years;
- what is the value of its weight;
- what is the size of its size;
- what kind of boa wish to purchase.
Most often, you can buy a boa constrictor for 10 thousand rubles. But there are instances much more expensive.
The rainbow boa is undoubtedly the brightest presented a kind of smooth-lipped. His coloring can not cause admiration.
Video: rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria)
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