Emerald Tree Boa

Looks how to spot one

Scales

The emerald tree boa has a muscular, arboreal body with a prehensile tail. Adults are bright emerald green with a white, irregular zigzag stripe running down the back, often described as lightning bolts, and a yellow belly. Juveniles are orange or brick-red and gradually turn green after about 9 to 12 months.51

Personality what they are like

Emerald tree boas are generally not a handling snake. They prefer to be left alone and can become defensive, striking if they feel threatened. They have long teeth and a strong perching instinct, so handling should be kept to a minimum and done with care, using hooks or shift boxes.43

Daily activity how busy a day looks

This is a nocturnal, arboreal species that spends most of its time coiled on horizontal branches. It does not need a large floor area but requires vertical space with several sturdy perches at different heights. It is a display-first animal, so activity is mostly watching it rest and hunt.31

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Emerald tree boas need stable humidity of 70-85%, with brief increases to 80-90% during shedding. They require good airflow and a temperature gradient with a basking branch at 30-32°C and ambient temperatures of 24-28°C, dropping to 22-24°C at night. Low-output UVB is recommended. They are sensitive to stress, so keep handling minimal and provide plenty of visual cover.3

Home where they are happiest

For an adult, an enclosure of at least 180 x 60 x 120 cm is recommended, with several fixed horizontal perches, foliage for cover, and a water bowl. The species is arboreal and needs height that is usable. It is non-venomous but has long teeth and can deliver a painful bite. It is listed under CITES Appendix II, so trade is restricted and legal paperwork may be required in some countries.32

Food basics what goes in the bowl

In the wild, they eat small mammals, rodents, lizards and sometimes birds. In captivity, feed frozen-thawed rodents of appropriate size, usually no wider than the snake's widest body section. Adults typically eat every 21-28 days, while juveniles need smaller meals more often. Their metabolism is very slow, so overfeeding can cause regurgitation.531

Company who they like around

Emerald tree boas are solitary animals and should be housed alone. They are not social and do not need companionship. They are best kept as display animals, and handling should be avoided except when necessary. They are non-venomous, but their bite can be severe, so caution is advised.23

The story where it all began

The emerald tree boa has been known to science since Linnaeus described it nearly 250 years ago. It has long been popular in zoos and among reptile keepers, but it is considered a challenging species for experienced keepers only. Herpetoculturists have recognised different regional forms, such as the Guiana Shield and Amazon Basin types, and recent genetic studies suggest there may be more than one species. In 2009, the Amazon Basin form was recognised as a separate species, Corallus batesii. As a pet, it is not recommended for beginners due to its specific care needs and defensive temperament.673

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Least concern2

CITES

Appendix II, trade restricted2