Southern Rubber Boa
Charina umbratica
A small, smooth-skinned boa from southern California mountain ranges, closely related to the more widespread rubber boa.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.8 m (1.3-2.6 ft)
- Range
- Southern California mountains (USA)
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Overview
The Southern Rubber Boa is a small, secretive boa restricted to isolated mountain ranges in southern California, split from the more widely distributed northern rubber boa. Its limited range and habitat specificity make it a species of conservation concern.
Its smooth, loose skin and blunt tail give it a rubbery appearance and feel, from which its common name derives.
How to identify it
- Small, cylindrical body with smooth, shiny scales giving a rubbery texture
- Uniform olive-brown, tan, or gray coloration, lacking pattern
- Blunt tail resembling the head, used defensively similar to other burrowing boas
- Small eyes, small head barely distinct from neck
- Distinguished from the Northern Rubber Boa by its restricted southern California range
Habitat & range
Found in coniferous forest and mountain meadow habitats at moderate to high elevations in isolated southern California mountain ranges, often near moist soil, logs, and leaf litter.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive, fossorial to semi-fossorial, most active at dusk and night, and tolerant of relatively cool temperatures compared to many other boas. Feeds on small mammals, especially shrews and young rodents, killed by constriction. Ovoviviparous, giving birth to small litters of live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Southern Rubber Boa venomous?
No, it is a non-venomous constrictor.
Why is it called a 'rubber' boa?
Its smooth, loose skin gives it a rubbery texture and appearance.
How is it different from the Northern Rubber Boa?
It is restricted to isolated mountain ranges in southern California, whereas the Northern Rubber Boa has a much broader range across the western United States and parts of Canada.
Is it considered at risk?
Yes, its restricted range and specific habitat requirements make it a species of conservation concern.
Southern Rubber Boa guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Southern Rubber Boa.
