The Green Tree Boa (Corallus caninus) is a captivating reptile recognized for its vivid emerald coloration and unique resting posture. This arboreal snake is native to the rainforests of South America and belongs to the family Boidae. Green Tree Boas are not venomous. Like all boas, their method for subduing prey is through muscle power, classifying them as non-venomous constrictors. They do not possess the venom glands, ducts, or specialized fangs that define a venomous snake.
How Green Tree Boas Subdue Prey
The Green Tree Boa’s hunting strategy is an ambush technique focused on small, warm-blooded prey, primarily birds and small mammals. When a strike is successful, the snake immediately coils its muscular body around the victim.
The long-held belief that constriction causes death by suffocation is incorrect. Modern scientific understanding reveals that the immense pressure exerted by the boa’s coils rapidly cuts off the prey’s blood flow, causing circulatory arrest. This leads to a swift loss of consciousness and death. Boas detect the cessation of the prey’s heartbeat, which signals them to stop constricting and begin swallowing.
Separating Boas from Venomous Tree Snakes
The confusion surrounding the Green Tree Boa’s venom status stems from its bright green color and arboreal habitat, causing it to be visually mistaken for certain venomous tree snakes. However, there are physical distinctions between the non-venomous boa and its venomous counterparts, such as pit vipers. The Green Tree Boa has a robust, stocky body, but it lacks the triangular head shape often associated with pit vipers.
A defining feature of many venomous snakes, particularly pit vipers, is the presence of heat-sensing pits located between the eye and the nostril. While the Green Tree Boa also possesses heat-sensing pits, they are located around the lips, not in the loreal area of pit vipers. Furthermore, true venomous snakes have specialized, hollow fangs for venom injection, while the boa possesses long, recurved teeth designed solely for securely gripping prey during constriction.
What Happens if a Green Tree Boa Bites
A bite from a Green Tree Boa, while not medically toxic, can be painful and cause deep puncture wounds. This is due to the snake’s remarkably long, needle-like front teeth. These teeth are designed to secure avian prey, which can be difficult to hold.
The primary danger from a bite is not venom, but the potential for a secondary bacterial infection. Any non-venomous snake bite should be treated immediately by thoroughly washing the wound with soap and water. After cleaning, the area should be disinfected and covered loosely with a clean, dry bandage. If the wound is deep, or if signs of infection like redness, swelling, or excessive pain develop, seeking medical attention is necessary.