Boidae
Beni Anaconda
HarmlessEunectes beniensis
6 photographs of the Beni Anaconda. © Naturalist Tours.
The Beni Anaconda (Eunectes beniensis) is a non-venomous snake in the Boidae family, recorded in 1 country.
- Family
- Boidae
About the Beni Anaconda
Eunectes beniensis is a boa species known from the northeastern parts of Bolivia and possibly nearby Brazil. Its common names, the Bolivian anaconda and Beni anaconda, are derived from the geographic location of its native habitat: the Beni area of Bolivia. Like all boas, it is nonvenomous. It eats fish, chickens, dogs, and cats.
Description
Eunectes beniensis is a species of boa, reaching between 3.3–4.4 meters (11–14 ft) in length and can weigh up to 35 kilograms (77 lb). It was initially believed to be the result of hybridization between the green (Eunectes murinus) and yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus), but was later determined to be a distinct species. Its taxonomic status is unclear due to lack of information and the similarity in appearance to Eunectes notaeus. It is closely related to Eunectes notaeus and Eunectes deschauenseei.
Range, habitat and behavior
The Bolivian anaconda's habitat usually consists of wetlands and other muddy, swampy or flooded areas. It is known only from northern Bolivia.
In April 2022, three researchers published data on an observation of Bolivian river dolphins playing with a large (presumably deceased) E. beniensis specimen.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Beni Anaconda
- Is the Beni Anaconda venomous?
- No. The Beni Anaconda (Eunectes beniensis) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.
- Is the Beni Anaconda poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Beni Anaconda is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Beni Anaconda dangerous?
- The Beni Anaconda is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Beni Anaconda live?
- The Beni Anaconda has verified records in 1 country, including Bolivia (Plurinational State of). See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Boidae snakes
Classification
How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.
Keep learning
- What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
- Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
- What Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
- How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.