Northern Eyelash Boa
Trachyboa boulengeri
A small, heavily keeled forest-floor boa from Central and South America named for the spiny scales above its eyes.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (1.3-2 ft)
- Range
- Northwestern South America and Central America
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Overview
The Northern Eyelash Boa is a small, rough-scaled member of the dwarf boa family found in the humid lowland forests of Central and northwestern South America. Its common name refers to the enlarged, spine-like scales projecting above each eye.
This species is harmless to humans and is rarely encountered due to its cryptic, leaf-litter-dwelling lifestyle and excellent camouflage.
How to identify it
- Small, heavy-bodied snake with strongly keeled, rough scales giving a spiny texture
- Mottled brown, gray, and black coloration providing camouflage among leaf litter
- Distinctive spine-like scales projecting above the eyes, resembling eyelashes
- Relatively large head for its body size, with vertical pupils
- Adults typically 40-60 cm in length
Habitat & range
Found in humid lowland and premontane rainforest across Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. It is closely associated with leaf litter and low vegetation near streams and moist forest floor habitats.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal, ambushing small frogs, lizards, and invertebrates from concealment among leaf litter. It relies heavily on camouflage and remains motionless when approached rather than fleeing. It is live-bearing, producing small litters of young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Northern Eyelash Boa venomous?
No, it is non-venomous and harmless to humans.
Why is it called the eyelash boa?
It has spine-like scales projecting above each eye that resemble eyelashes.
Where is the Northern Eyelash Boa found?
It occurs in humid lowland forests of Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador.
How big does the Northern Eyelash Boa get?
Adults typically reach 40-60 cm in length.
Northern Eyelash Boa guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Northern Eyelash Boa.
