Geographical Region

Brazil, Paraguay, Colombia, Peru and Argentina

Habitat

Tropical rainforests of South America

Colour

Reddish/brown background colour with black pattern/spots, High iridescence

Size

Spp depending, Paraguayan – 3 ½ - 4 feet

Brazilian - up to 7 ½ feet

Captive Environment

Glass or plastic (Pennine) vivariums as these are much better at holding the required humidity.

48l x 24d x 18h will be suitable for an adult pair of Brazilians

36l x 18d x 18h suitable for other smaller types of rainbow boa

Moist substrates such as orchid bark or cypress bedding help to maintain a high humidity. A humid hide is also a good idea, a plastic tub with an entrance hole filled with moist moss would do perfectly.

Heating/lighting requirements

88°F at basking end, with ambient in the range of 82 - 85°F. Use household reflector lamp to create basking temperature and ambient. Use a thermometer to check temperatures at the hottest and coolest end of the range. No need for UV but a 2% repti-glo tube or a sunglo bulb will make the iridescence a lot brighter

Photoperiod

Autumn/winter – 11 hours light – 13 hours dark.

Spring/summer – 12 hours light – 12 hours dark.

Feeding

Hatchlings are sold feeding on defrosted pink mice or fluffs– 1 every 7 days.

As the snake grows the prey item should increase in size- ask use for advice.

Adults feed no large mice or medium rats every 10-14 days

Sexing

Males have a longer, more slender tail that tapers gradually from a wide base.

Females have a shorter tail that tapers more abrupt from a thinner base, and are usually longer and thicker bodied

Shedding

Snakes periodically shed their skin, their colouration tends to become dull and they usually go off their food during this time, and their eyesight is poor. Keep handling to a minimum during this time.