Emerald tree boa

Corallus caninus

The emerald tree boa is an arboreal snake of Neotropical forest. Listed here as diurnal and solitary, it coils on branches and waits for prey.

Key facts

Emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus) is a carnivore animal classified as Reptile · Squamata · Boidae.
Primary habitats are forest, with a range across Neotropical.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The emerald tree boa is an arboreal snake of Neotropical forest.
It uses tropical rainforest and humid forest from lower branches into the canopy.
Typical lifespan: 10-40 years

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

It uses tropical rainforest and humid forest from lower branches into the canopy. Complex branches and routes used by small animals are important.

Length is about 120-200 cm and weight about 500-1500 g. Adults are vivid green with white markings, while young may be red or orange.

It rests coiled over a branch with the head hanging below, ready to strike at passing prey. Individuals are solitary and seldom need to descend.

It is carnivorous, taking small mammals, birds, and lizards. Sharp teeth seize prey, which is then constricted and swallowed.

It bears live young rather than laying eggs. Juveniles grow while hiding among slender branches and low vegetation.

Its status is listed as Least Concern. Famous for its color, it depends in the wild on connected forest and arboreal prey.