A docile small boa (up to 4 ft) of southwestern deserts. Three pinkish or orange stripes on a lighter background. Among the only native US boas.

Also called: Rosy Boa, Coastal Rosy Boa

Native status: Native to southwestern US and Baja California

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 60–100 cm (24–40 in)
Weight200–700 g
LifespanWild 18–25 years; captive 30+
OrderSquamata
FamilyBoidae

§ Encyclopedia

Lichanura, the rosy boas, are a genus of snakes in the family Boidae. They are distributed across the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.

Source: Wikipedia — Lichanura Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Stout snake with distinctive three brown, pink, or orange stripes running the length of the body on a gray-cream background; smooth scales; small head; blunt tail.

Similar species. Rubber Boa (uniform brown; northern range). Glossy snake (different scale and head structure).

Voice. Hisses defensively; rarely bites.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small mammals (mice, kangaroo rats), small birds, lizards. Kills by constriction.

Behavior. One of only two boa species native to North America (along with Rubber Boa). Inhabits rocky desert and chaparral habitats of southern California, Arizona, and Baja California. Among the most docile of all snakes — rarely bites and tolerates handling well, making them popular pets (captive-bred only; collection from wild is regulated). Gives live birth (a hallmark of boas) to 3–14 young after 4–5 month gestation.

§ Range

Southwestern US deserts

§ Habitat

Rocky desert, scrub

§ Threats

Habitat loss to development, illegal collection for pet trade.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the rosy boa is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support desert protection. Buy only captive-bred pet snakes. Don't collect from wild.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Davidson College Department of Biology
  • Arizona Game and Fish Department
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2007