Types of boas

Pseudoboa is a genus of New World snakes in the large family Colubridae, the group that contains most of the world's snake species. Despite the name, false boas are not true boas and do not constrict in the same way the boa family does. They are placed in the dipsadine line of colubrids, a mostly tropical American radiation, and the genus holds a handful of species spread across Central and South America. Our database lists six species, including the Black False Boa, Neuwied's False Boa, the Crowned False Boa, and the Parana False Boa.

These are terrestrial, mostly nocturnal snakes found across a broad swath of the Neotropics, from southern Central America through much of South America east of the Andes. Typical habitat is lowland forest, forest edge, savanna, and scrub, and some species tolerate disturbed or agricultural ground where prey and cover are available. They tend to shelter under logs, leaf litter, and debris during the day and become active after dark.

In general terms, members are recognizable as moderately slender snakes with smooth, often glossy scales and a head only slightly distinct from the neck. Coloration varies by species, ranging from nearly uniform dark or reddish tones to patterns with a pale collar or banding, especially in juveniles. Identifying a snake to the exact species usually requires close attention to scale counts and locality, so the genus-level traits above are a starting point rather than a field-proof identification.

Pseudoboa are rear-fanged, meaning they have enlarged grooved teeth set toward the back of the upper jaw and produce a mild venom used to subdue prey. They are not considered dangerously venomous to people, and bites are uncommon, but rear-fanged species can still cause local reactions, and any wild snake can bite. Do not handle wild snakes. If a bite occurs and you are unsure of the species, or symptoms develop, seek medical care promptly and contact US Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or your local emergency services.

Ecologically, false boas are predators of small vertebrates. Diet commonly includes other snakes and lizards, along with small mammals and frogs depending on the species, and the mild venom plus body coils help overpower prey. Like most colubrids in this group they are egg-laying. Behavior is generally secretive and they rely on hiding and nocturnal activity rather than aggression, which is why encounters with people are limited.