Yellow Anaconda

About the Yellow Anaconda

The yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus), also known as the Paraguayan anaconda, is a boa species endemic to southern South America. It is one of the largest snakes in the world but smaller than its close relative, the green anaconda. No subspecies are currently recognized. Like all boas and pythons, it is non-venomous and kills its prey by constriction.

The Neo-Latin specific name notaeus derives from Ancient Greek: νωταίος, romanized: nōtaios, lit. 'dorsal' (νωταίος is a poetic form of νωτιαίος/nōtiaios). In distinguishing his new species Eunectes notaeus from Eunectes murinus, Edward Drinker Cope stated, "Dorsal scales are larger and in fewer rows."

Adults grow to an average of 3.7 m (12 ft 1+1⁄2 in) in total length. Females are generally larger than males and have been reported up to 4.6 m (15 ft 1 in) in length. They commonly weigh 25 to 35 kg (55 to 77 lb), but specimens weighing more than 55 kg (121 lb) have been observed. The color pattern consists of a yellow, golden-tan or greenish-yellow ground color overlaid with a series of black or dark brown saddles, blotches, spots and streaks.

The range of the yellow anaconda... Wikipedia →