Boa constrictor
| Boa constrictor | |
|---|---|
| Red-tailed boa (B. c. constrictor) in Ecuador | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Boidae |
| Genus: | Boa |
| Species: | B. constrictor |
| Binomial name | |
| Boa constrictor | |
| Distribution | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
The boa constrictor (scientific name also Boa constrictor), also known as the common boa, is a species of large, non-venomous, heavy-bodied snake that is frequently kept and bred in captivity. The boa constrictor is a member of the family Boidae. The species is native to tropical South America. A staple of private collections and public displays, its color pattern is highly variable yet distinctive. Four subspecies are recognized.