National Aquarium - Emerald Tree Boa
Wash, DC

Emerald Tree Boa

Corallus caninus

DID YOU KNOW?

While green as adults, they begin life as red hatchlings

Exhibit Name and Location:
Washington - Amazon River Basin Gallery

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Wash, DC

Emerald Tree Boa

Emerald tree boas are an exquisite green color. Many have striking white markings occurring along the dorsal midline, although some individuals lack them. Juveniles range from yellow to orange or red.

Arboreal (tree-dwelling) in nature, the tail is strongly prehensile, which means it’s adapted to grasp or hold objects.

Diet

Rodents, birds, and small mammals

Size

Emerald tree boas can reach over 6 feet in length. 

Range

Northern Brazil, eastern Peru, southern Colombia, southern Venezuela, French Guiana, eastern Ecuador, Suriname, Guyana, and the extreme north of Bolivia 

Population Status

This species is not threatened.

Predators

As adults, only raptors prey on them.

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A Note From the Caretaker

This snake appears to stay in one place during the day, but it moves around at night and is in a different spot the next day.