Colubridae
Neuwied's False Boa
HarmlessPseudoboa neuwiedii
6 photographs of the Neuwied's False Boa. © Cristina Hutchison.
The Neuwied's False Boa (Pseudoboa neuwiedii) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 11 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Neuwied's False Boa
Pseudoboa neuwiedii, commonly known as the dark-headed red false boa or Neuwied's false boa, is a species of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to northern South America.
Geographic distribution
Pseudoboa neuwiedii is found on the mainland of South America from Colombia to The Guianas, and in Brazil along the Amazon River, as well as in Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Etymology
The specific name, neuwiedii, is in honor of German naturalist Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied.
Description
Pseudoboa neuwiedii grows to a maximum total length (tail included) of 1 m (39 in).
Dorsally, it is reddish brown, either uniform or with some scattered small black spots. The top of the head and neck are black or dark brown. There may or may not be a yellowish crossband or collar across the temples and occiput. Ventrally, it is yellowish. This snake is venomous, but due the anatomy of its teeth it has difficulty in inoculating venom, its venom is highly proteolytic and could affect the coagulation by degrading the fibrinogen.
Behavior
Pseudoboa neuwiedii is a powerful constrictor.
Diet
Pseudoboa neuwiedii feeds on any animal it can capture and subdue. Individuals have been reported to consume snakes as large as or larger than they themselves are.
Reproduction
P. neuwiedii is oviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Neuwied's False Boa
- Is the Neuwied's False Boa venomous?
- No. The Neuwied's False Boa (Pseudoboa neuwiedii) 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 Neuwied's False Boa poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Neuwied's False Boa is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Neuwied's False Boa dangerous?
- The Neuwied's False Boa is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Neuwied's False Boa live?
- The Neuwied's False Boa has verified records in 11 countries, including Colombia, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Neuwied's False Boa eat?
- Pseudoboa neuwiedii feeds on any animal it can capture and subdue. Individuals have been reported to consume snakes as large as or larger than they themselves are.
- Why is it called the Neuwied's False Boa?
- The specific name, neuwiedii, is in honor of German naturalist Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
Classification
How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.
- OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
- Squamata
- FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
- Colubridae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Pseudoboa
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Pseudoboa neuwiedii
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.