Boa (genus)


Boa is a genus of non-venomous boas found in Mexico, Central and South America. Four species are currently recognized. Common names include: boa and boa constrictor.

Etymology

The Online Etymology Dictionary says that the word comes from the "late 14c., "large snake," from Latin boa, type of large serpent mentioned in Pliny's "Natural History;" origin unknown."

Species

Boa is a polytypic genus.
The boa constrictor has been reported to grow to a maximum of 14 feet in length. Numerous subspecies are currently recognised.

Distribution and habitat

Northern Mexico through Central America to South America north of 35°S, on San Andrés, Providencia and many other islands along the coasts of Mexico and Central and South America.

Taxonomy

Kluge moved the genera Sanzinia and Acrantophis into Boa, based on a phylogeny derived from morphological characters. However, it has since been shown that the Malagasy boids and Boa constrictor do not form a monophyletic group, and the lumping of Sanzinia, Acrantophis and Boa was, therefore, an error. These snakes are therefore correctly represented in their own genera: Sanzinia and Acrantophis.
To add further to the naming confusion, many species of snake in the family Boidae are known colloquially as "boas". Also, more than a few subspecies of B. constrictor are recognized, several of which have distinct common names.