AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Epicrates maurus
Colombian Rainbow Boa
Gray, 1849
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Medium-sized snake with skin that possesses spectacular iridescence, showing multicolored reflections under direct light. Its base coloration is reddish-brown with dark circular patterns along the body.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological 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.Epicrates
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Gray, 1849
Record Completeness
61%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.
Year Round
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
Inhabits a wide diversity of ecosystems, from tropical humid forests and gallery forests to cultivated areas and zones near water bodies.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mainly nocturnal and crepuscular; terrestrial, although it is an excellent climber when young.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary; only congregates during the mating season.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active ambush predator; uses heat detection (labial pits) to find prey.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Constrictor carnivore; feeds on small mammals, birds, and occasionally amphibians.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Ovoviviparous; young develop within eggs that hatch inside the mother.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
100.0 - 150.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
400 g - 1.50 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.5 - 20
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
2 - 3 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
150 - 180
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males--
Females--
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly smaller and have proportionally longer tails.
Females Multi-lang
Females tend to be more robust and reach larger sizes than males.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Iridescence: Its microstructured scales refract light, which could serve as a signaling mechanism or disruptive camouflage.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat fragmentation and high demand in the exotic pet market are its main threats.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The name rainbow comes from the prismatic effect produced by the microscopic structure of its scales.