Reptiles
Amazon Tree Boa
Corallus hortulana
Coiled motionless among the branches by day, an Amazon tree boa might be grey, brown, orange, or vivid red, an extraordinary range of individual colour variation found within this single species of Amazon basin rainforest.
Overview
The Amazon tree boa, Corallus hortulana, is a Least Concern snake found across lowland rainforest throughout the Amazon basin and surrounding regions of South America. Its extraordinary individual colour variation, slender arboreal build, and heat-sensing hunting ability make it one of the more visually and behaviourally remarkable snakes found anywhere in the Neotropics.
No two look quite alike
Few snakes show as much individual colour variation as the Amazon tree boa, with some animals appearing dull grey or brown while others display vivid orange, red, or yellow, all belonging to the very same species rather than distinct colour forms tied to specific populations.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable lowland rainforest habitat throughout its Amazon basin range.
Amazon Tree Boa: common questions
Why do Amazon tree boas look so different from one another?
The species shows extraordinary individual colour variation, with some individuals grey or brown and others vivid orange, red, or yellow, all within the same species rather than representing different subspecies.
How does the Amazon tree boa hunt in the dark?
It detects warm-bodied prey using heat-sensing pits positioned along its upper and lower jaws, allowing it to strike accurately at birds, bats, and small mammals even in complete darkness.
Is the Amazon tree boa the same as the emerald tree boa?
No, they are different species. The emerald tree boa is reliably vivid green with a white zigzag pattern, while the Amazon tree boa varies enormously in colour between individuals.
Where does the Amazon tree boa spend most of its time?
It spends nearly all its time among branches and vegetation in lowland rainforest, rarely descending to the ground.