Ruschenberger's Tree Boa
Corallus ruschenbergerii
A slender, arboreal tree boa of Central America and northern South America closely related to the common tree boa.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 1.5-2 m (5-6.5 ft)
- Range
- Northern South America, Central America, and Trinidad
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Overview
Ruschenberger's Tree Boa is one of several species split from the widespread Corallus hortulanus complex, distinguished by subtle scale and coloration differences. It occupies forests and edge habitats from Costa Rica through Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and into Trinidad.
Like other tree boas, it is a nocturnal, arboreal ambush predator with laterally compressed body shape and long teeth suited for grasping prey among branches.
How to identify it
- Slender, laterally compressed body typical of Corallus
- Color highly variable: tan, gray, orange, or reddish-brown with darker blotches or bands
- Large heat-sensing labial pits along the upper and lower jaws
- Head distinct from neck, large eyes with vertical pupils
- Distinguished from C. hortulanus by range and minor scale counts
Habitat & range
Found in lowland tropical forest, forest edge, and secondary growth, often near water. Ranges from sea level to moderate elevations across its Central American and northern South American distribution, including Trinidad.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Strictly nocturnal and arboreal, coiling on branches by day and hunting small mammals, birds, and lizards at night using heat-sensing pits. Ambushes prey from a perch. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with live young born after gestation.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ruschenberger's Tree Boa venomous?
No, it is a non-venomous constrictor.
How is it different from the common tree boa?
It was split from the *Corallus hortulanus* complex based on range and subtle morphological differences, occurring further north in Central America and Trinidad.
Where does it live?
Lowland tropical forests of Central America and northern South America, including Trinidad.
Is it arboreal?
Yes, it is highly arboreal and rarely descends to the ground.
Ruschenberger's Tree Boa guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Ruschenberger's Tree Boa.
