Boa Constrictor Size: How Big Are They Compared To Others? (2024)

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Amin Tawar

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Boa Constrictor Length

Boa Constrictor Size: How Big Are They Compared To Others? (1)

With its powerful coils and silent strikes, the Boa Constrictor is a formidable predator in the rainforest canopy. Boa Constrictors are a species of large, non-venomous snakes that are native to Central and South America. They are known for their ability to constrict their prey, using their strong muscles to squeeze the life out of their victims.

In terms of their length, they can grow up to 13 feet long and are known for their ability to constrict their prey using their powerful muscles.

On average, adult male boas can reach lengths of 6 and 8 ft (1.8 and 2.4 m), while adult females can reach lengths of 7 and 10 ft (2.1 and 3.0 m).

However, some individuals can exceed these lengths, with males reaching up to 9 feet and females reaching up to 13 feet. The maximum recorded length for a boa constrictor is 18 feet (5.4 m), but this is extremely rare and not the typical size.

Boa Constrictor LengthMeterFeet
Average lengthMale: 1.8 and 2.4 m
Female: 2.1 and 3.0 m
Male: 6 and 8 ft
Female: 7 and 10 ft
Maximum length5.4 m18 ft

Boa Constrictor Weight

And just as impressive as their length, Boa Constrictors are also known for their weight. Boa constrictors are primarily nocturnal and prey on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, but they can also be opportunistic feeders, consuming fruit and eggs. They are generally docile and are considered to be good pets by many snake enthusiasts.

If you want to know about their weight then let me tell you, the weight of boa constrictors can also vary depending on the sex of the snake and the particular subspecies.

Adult males typically weigh between 6.8 to 10.4 kg (15-23 lbs), while adult females can weigh between 10 to 15kg (22-33 lbs).

However, some individuals can exceed these weight ranges, with record lengths reaching up to 45 kg (100 lb) or more.

Boa Constrictor WeightKilogramsPounds
Average weightMale: 6.8 to 10.4 kg
Female:10 to 15kg
Male: 15-23 lbs
Female: 22-33 lbs
Maximum Weight45 kg100 lb

Baby Boa Constrictor Size

Just like a newborn human, Baby Boa Constrictors may be small but they pack a punch.

Baby boa constrictors are typically born at a length of around 24-36 inches. They can grow quickly, reaching lengths of 5-6 feet within their first year.

While they may be small in size, baby boas are born fully independent and able to hunt and defend themselves from the start. Interestingly, they can also constrict their prey from birth and have the same smooth scales and color patterns as adult boas.

Moreover, as they grow, boa constrictors continue to shed their skin several times a year.

Their growth rate slows down as they reach maturity, typically around 3-4 years of age. At this point, they would have reached their full length and weight.1

Boa Constrictor Size Compared To Human

Boa Constrictor Size: How Big Are They Compared To Others? (2)

Moving on, can you Imagine standing next to a Boa Constrictor, terrifying right? Let me tell you beforehand that its size will make you feel like a tiny human. This is because Boa constrictors are giant snakes, and they can be quite intimidating when seen in person.

An adult boa can be several times the length of an average adult human, and they can weigh several times as much as well.

A 13 feet long boa constrictor can weigh up to 60 pounds, which is larger than the average human. For instance, while the Boa measures up to 6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m) in length and 6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs) in weight, humans on the other hand are just 5.5 to 5.9 feet long and 132 to 176 pounds (60 to 80 kgs) heavy.

Animal typeHeightWeight
Boa constrictor6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m)6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs)
Average adult human5.5 to 5.9 feet132 to 176 pounds (60 to 80 kgs)

Boa Constrictor Size Vs Python Size Comparison

When it comes to size, Boa Constrictors and Pythons are quite heavy. Both boa constrictors and pythons are giant, non-venomous snakes that are known for their ability to constrict their prey. However, there are some notable differences in size between the two species.

Boa constrictors typically grow to be smaller than pythons, with adult boas reaching lengths of 6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m) and weight of 6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs), while adult Burmese pythons can reach lengths of 8 and 20 feet (2.4 — 6 m) and weight of 200 pounds. Additionally, boa constrictors tend to be more slender and agile than pythons, which have bulkier bodies.

Animal typeHeightWeight
Boa constrictor6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m)6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs)
Burmese python8 and 20 feet (2.4 — 6 m)200-pound

Boa Constrictor Size Vs Anaconda Size Comparison

Did you know that both the boa constrictors and green anacondas are giant, non-venomous snakes that are known for their ability to constrict their prey. However, both are quite different in terms of their body size.

That is, Boa constrictors typically grow to be smaller than green anacondas, with adult boas reaching lengths of 6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m) and weight of 6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs), while adult green anacondas can reach lengths of up to 3 m to 4.6 m (9 ft 10 in to 15 ft 1 in) and weigh up to 100-150 pounds.

Animal typeHeightWeight
Boa constrictor6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m)6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs)
Green Anaconda3 m to 4.6 m (9 ft 10 in to 15 ft 1 in)100-150 pounds

Boa Constrictor Vs King Cobra Size Comparison

Unlike the other sets of comparison, Boa constrictors and King Cobra are two different species of snake, with very different characteristics.

King Cobras are venomous snakes that are native to Southeast Asia, while boa constrictors are non-venomous snakes that are native to Central and South America.

King cobras are typically larger than boa constrictors, with adult king cobras reaching lengths of up to 3.18 to 4 m (10.4 to 13.1 ft) and weight of 6kg (13lbs), while adult boas typically reach lengths of 6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m) and weight of 6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs).

Animal typeHeightWeight
Boa constrictor6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m)6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs)
King Cobra3.18 to 4 m (10.4 to 13.1 ft)6kg (13lbs)

Conclusion

And that was everything you need to know about the size of Boa Constrictor. I hope this article was informative enough and your queries were answered.

Thank You For Reading!

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Boa Constrictor Size: How Big Are They Compared To Others? (2024)

FAQs

How big is a boa constrictor? ›

Basic description. Most adult Boa Constrictors are about 10-16 feet (3-5 m) in total length. These are very large, stout-bodied snakes with dark brown hourglass-shaped saddles down the body that become reddish bands towards the tail. The background coloration is usually tan, light brown, grayish brown, or cream colored ...

How big are boas compared to pythons? ›

Adult pythons average between 1.5 - 10 meters long (5 - 33 feet) and weigh between 22 - 90 kg (50 - 200 pounds). They are typically on the smaller end of the spectrum in captivity and larger in the wild. Boas are smaller at between 0.3 - 9 meters long (1 - 30 feet) and weigh 9 - 90 kg (20 - 200 pounds).

How big of an animal can a boa constrictor eat? ›

Depending on the size of the snake, boas may eat rodents, birds, lizards, frogs, and small to medium-sized mammals like opossums, monkeys, pigs, or deer. Some anacondas have been known to eat prey as large as a young tapir or even a caiman.

What snake is bigger than the boa constrictor? ›

On average, pythons are larger than boa constrictors. This is because anacondas are the only species of giant boa, while most other boa constrictors top out at 12-18 feet long.

What is the largest boa constrictor on record? ›

Boas are about 2 feet long when they are born and grow continually throughout their 25 to 30-year lifespan. The largest boa constrictor ever found measured 18 feet.

What is the biggest thing a boa constrictor can eat? ›

The snakes eat a range of animals, from fish and small birds to monkeys and other reptiles. To catch their food the snakes wrap their body around the prey and squeeze. As the snakes get larger they can tackle bigger prey, with wild pigs among the largest eaten by Boa constrictor.

What snake can eat a cow? ›

A non-venomous reticulated python, one of the world's largest snakes, was seen devouring a cow in India, prompting a farmer to lasso its head in an attempt to remove it from the property.

What snake can eat a deer? ›

Burmese pythons are not just big snakes, growing to more than 18 feet and 200 pounds, but big eaters, taking on prey as large as a deer. Biologists at the University of Cincinnati found that it's not just the size of its head and body that puts almost everything on a python's menu.

Do male or female boas get bigger? ›

Size and weight

Clear sexual dimorphism is seen in the species, with females generally being larger in both length and girth than males. The usual size of mature female boas is between 7 and 10 ft (2.1 and 3.0 m) whereas males are between 6 and 8 ft (1.8 and 2.4 m).

How long does a boa constrictor live? ›

Lifespan. Boa constrictors live 20-30 years in the wild.

Can you have a boa constrictor as a pet? ›

There are several varieties of boa constrictors found in the pet trade, including red-tail boas (Boa constrictor constrictor) and northern boas (Boa constrictor imperator). These snakes are native to parts of North, Central, and South America. Their care is fairly similar, and they tend to do well in captivity.

Is a boa constrictor aggressive? ›

Boa Constrictor Behavior

Depending on their subspecies, captive-bred boa constrictors are known for being well-tempered, docile creatures. Colombian boa constrictors are some of the most docile, while imported Mexican and Central American boas tend to be a bit more aggressive.

Are boa constrictors good pets? ›

Common boas are a great choice of pet for people who might not have much time for upkeep as they do not require much care and as adults may only need feeding once every 2-3 weeks. It's easy to provide the perfect environment at home for a common boa.

Is it safe to hold a boa constrictor? ›

Once the snake shows calm, slow tongue flicks, it is safe to pick it up. Use a snake hook to initially grab and lift the snake, then use your hands to take out the rest of its body.

What is the full size male boa constrictor? ›

Columbian Red Tailed Boa Fact Sheet
Class:Reptilia
Egg Gestation:120 – 150 days
Number of young at birth:30 on average
Age of maturity:18 months – 3 years
Size:Females 7 – 9 ft Males 6 – 8 ft
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