Crowned False Boa
Pseudoboa coronata
A slender reddish colubrid from South America named for a dark crown-like marking on its head.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Northern and western South America
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Overview
The crowned false boa is a mildly venomous rear-fanged snake distributed across northern and western South America. Its name derives from a distinctive dark marking atop the head resembling a crown.
It is not dangerous to humans and is most active at night, foraging on the forest floor for small vertebrates.
How to identify it
- Reddish to reddish-brown body, often paler toward the tail
- Dark, crown-shaped marking on top of the head
- Smooth scales, slender cylindrical body
- Head slightly distinct from neck
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from Neuwied's false boa by the head marking and slightly slimmer build
Habitat & range
Occurs in tropical lowland and premontane forests of northern and western South America, generally below 1,200 m elevation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and terrestrial, foraging actively for lizards and small mammals. Lays eggs as its reproductive mode.
Frequently asked questions
Is the crowned false boa venomous?
It is mildly venomous via rear fangs but poses no significant danger to people.
What gives it its name?
A dark crown-shaped marking on top of its head.
What does it eat?
Small lizards and mammals.
Where does it live?
Tropical forests of northern and western South America.
Crowned False Boa guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Crowned False Boa.
