Emerald Tree Boa

About the Emerald Tree Boa

The emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus) is a boa species found in the rainforests of South America. Since 2009, the species Corallus batesii has been distinguished from the emerald tree boa. Like all other boas, it is nonvenomous. Trade of the species is controlled internationally under CITES Appendix II.

Adults grow to about 6 feet (1.8 m) in length. They have highly developed front teeth that are likely proportionately larger than those of any other non-venomous snake. The color pattern typically consists of an emerald green ground color with a white irregular interrupted zigzag stripe or so-called 'lightning bolts' down the back and a yellow belly. The bright coloration and markings are very distinctive among South American snakes. Juveniles vary in color between various shades of light and dark orange or brick-red before ontogenetic coloration sets in and the animals turn emerald green (after 9–12 months of age). This also occurs in green tree python (Morelia viridis), a python species in which hatchlings and juveniles may also be canary yellow or brick-red. As opposed to popular belief, yellow juveniles (as in the green tree python) do not occur in the emerald... Wikipedia →