Epicrates exsul
ExploreReptiles
Epicrates exsul
Chilabothrus exsul
The Epicrates exsul, also known as the Puerto Rican boa, is a large snake that lives in the trees. It has beautiful colors and patterns that help it blend in with its surroundings.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Epicrates exsul is a medium-sized boa, typically displaying a pale brown to grayish-brown body adorned with irregular dark brown blotches or stripes. Its scales often have a subtle iridescence, giving it a slight sheen, and it possesses a relatively slender build compared to many other boa species.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyBoidaeGenusChilabothrus
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
It can 'see' heat with special facial pits, even in total darkness!
Its scientific name, exsul, means 'exiled' because it's so isolated!
This amazing snake is found only on Mona Island, a small island off Puerto Rico!
Unlike most snakes, this boa gives birth to live babies, not eggs!
Special abilities
Ability
Powerful Constriction
Epicrates exsul can subdue prey by coiling around them and constricting, cutting off blood flow to quickly incapacitate their meals.
Ability
Nocturnal Hunter
Epicrates exsul hunts primarily at night, using its excellent senses to locate unsuspecting prey in the darkness.
Ability
Agile Climber
Epicrates exsul is an agile climber, able to navigate trees and rocky crevices with ease to find roosting prey or shelter.
Ability
Natural Camouflage
Epicrates exsul has patterned scales that blend perfectly with its rocky and leafy surroundings, helping it ambush prey.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 100-150 cm
- Weight
- 1-3 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years
- Top Speed
- 8 km/h
Diet & Feeding
This boa constricts and eats a variety of small mammals, birds, and lizards found on Mona Island.
Primary Foods
- rodents
- bats
- birds
- lizards
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eats
Mona Anole
Anolis monensis
Main prey item for juvenile snakes.
eats
Antillean Cave Bat
Brachyphylla cavernarum
Hunts bats emerging from caves.
eaten by
Feral Cat
Felis catus
Introduced predator hunting young boas.
eaten by
Feral Pig
Sus scrofa
Introduced predator preying on boa eggs/young.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
Puerto Rican Boa
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Always watch from a distance and never try to touch wild snakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Epicrates exsul?
100-150 cm
How much does Epicrates exsul weigh?
1-3 kg
How long does Epicrates exsul live?
10-20 years
How fast can Epicrates exsul move?
8 km/h
What does Epicrates exsul eat?
This boa constricts and eats a variety of small mammals, birds, and lizards found on Mona Island.
Where is Epicrates exsul usually found?
Forests
How does Epicrates exsul hunt?
Ambush
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
_close-up_(14085684563).jpg&width=800)
