Neuwied's False Boa
Pseudoboa neuwiedii
A slender, reddish-brown colubrid from northern South America that superficially resembles boas despite belonging to a different family.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.7-1 m (2.3-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Northern South America
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Overview
Neuwied's false boa is a mildly venomous rear-fanged colubrid found across the forests and savannas of northern South America. Its common name reflects a superficial resemblance to true boas in body shape, though it is unrelated.
It is not considered dangerous to humans and is typically encountered at night while active on the forest floor.
How to identify it
- Reddish-brown to orange-brown dorsal coloration, often uniform or with faint markings
- Pale belly
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Head slightly distinct from neck with large eyes
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from true boas by its slender build, colubrid head scalation, and lack of heat-sensing pits
Habitat & range
Found in tropical lowland forests, forest edges, and savannas of northern South America, typically below 1,000 m elevation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and terrestrial, actively foraging at night for lizards, small mammals, and other reptiles. Reproduces by laying eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Neuwied's false boa dangerous?
It is only mildly venomous and not considered dangerous to humans.
Why is it called a false boa?
Its stout body shape superficially resembles a true boa, though it belongs to the colubrid family.
What does it eat?
Lizards, small mammals, and other reptiles.
Where is it found?
In tropical forests and savannas of northern South America.
Neuwied's False Boa guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Neuwied's False Boa.
