Size:
The average Viper Boa grows between 2 and 3 feet in length at maturity.
Color:
Most Viper Boas range from black to gold. They are seen in varying shades
of brown, grey, orange and rust. Brown is the most common color, however, and the
most common pattern consists of striped spots that run horizontally along the
length of the snake.
The Viper
Boa gets its name because it often bears a striking
resemblance to the Death Adder, which is a highly venoumous
snake. This species does vary in appearance from one
individual to the next. The Viper Boa is a member of
the genus Candoia. This genus is comprised of at least
three different species and perhaps as many as eight.
Most of the members of the genus Candoia are collectively
referred to as Pacific Boas. The Viper Boa is unique
because it is the smallest and the fattest of this genus.
They are a nocturnal species, meaning they are usually
only active at night. This is not a common species in
captivity and may be difficult to find. It is reported
that the Viper Boa is more aggressive than some other
Pacific Boas, but it is believed that most are underfed
upon arrival and usually have a bad disposition because
of it. Once they are fed, they are generally much more
docile. In the wild, the Viper Boa prefers to spend
most of its time on the forest floor under logs and
leaves. It is very easy to distinguish male and female
Viper Boas visually. The males have spurs on either
side of their vents, and the females have none. This
is even apparent in babies. Viper Boas may differ greatly
in both color and pattern. Currently they are endangered
in their natural habitat. Many Viper Boas are killed
because they resemble poisonous snakes.
