AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Boa imperator
Common Boa
Daudin, 1803
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Large non-venomous constrictor snake with brown and cream color patterns.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Bequer
Central American BoaBoa constrictoraBécquerTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Squamata
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Boidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Boa
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Daudin, 1803
Record Completeness
97%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Dry Season
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Found in diverse habitats, from humid jungles to semi-arid zones.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Solitary and nocturnal; uses constriction to subdue its prey.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Mainly solitary, interacting only to reproduce.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Carnivore. Eats rodents, birds, iguanas, and small mammals.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Regulates small vertebrate populations in neotropical ecosystems.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Ovoviviparous. Females give birth to fully formed young.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
150.0 - 300.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
5.00 kg - 15.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.10 - 60
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
3 - 5 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
4 - 8
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males20 - 30 Years
Females20 - 30 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Prehensile tail that helps it move through tree branches.
Thermosensitive organs in the labial scales that detect the body heat of their prey.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Illegal wildlife trade for the pet market.
Habitat loss due to agricultural and urban expansion.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike pythons, boas do not lay eggs; the young are born alive.
They are called 'Bécquer' in some rural areas of Costa Rica.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
