Emerald Tree Boa
Corallus caninus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Boidae, Subfamily: Boinae, Genus: Corallus, Species: Corallus caninus
Found in the rainforests of South America, specifically the Amazon Basin including Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and throughout the Guianas.
Look up Emerald Tree Boa in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous (Aglyphous dentition)
Danger Level
Low Risk; though non-venomous, it possesses exceptionally long, recurved front teeth that can cause deep puncture wounds and mechanical tissue damage.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Boidae, Subfamily: Boinae, Genus: Corallus, Species: Corallus caninus
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN Red List), though threatened locally by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.
Physical Description
Vibrant emerald green dorsal coloration with white irregular 'lightning bolt' or 'crossbar' markings. Head is large, triangular, and distinct from the neck with prominent heat-sensing pits. Eyes have vertical elliptical pupils. Scales are smooth.
Size & Dimensions
Typically reaches 1.5 to 2 meters (5-7 feet) in length. Maximum length approximately 2.2 meters.
Habitat
Strictly arboreal, inhabiting lowland tropical rainforests and humid montane forests up to 1000m. Usually found in the canopy or high branches near water sources.
Behavior & Temperament
Exclusively nocturnal and highly sedentary during the day. Known for its 'coiled' resting posture over a branch. It can be quite defensive if provoked, striking with great speed and reach.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily small mammals (rodents, opossums) and occasionally birds or lizards. It is an ambush predator that uses its long front teeth to secure feathered or furry prey despite the lack of venom, then utilizes constriction.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live young). Litter size typically ranges from 5 to 15 neonates. Neonates represent a dramatic case of ontogenetic color change, being born brick-red or orange before turning green.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis) from Australasia is the most famous look-alike. They are a classic example of convergent evolution. The Emerald Tree Boa is distinguished by larger snout scales and more prominent heat pits situated between the labial scales.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN Red List), though threatened locally by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.
Cultural Significance
Highly prized in the herpetological hobby for its striking appearance. Ecologically vital as a top-tier arboreal predator that controls rodent populations.
Notable Features
Possesses the longest teeth of any non-venomous snake relative to its size, which evolved to penetrate thick bird feathers and prevent prey from escaping in the high canopy.