Courtesy of Next Generation Boas
When speaking of Rainbow Boas (Epicrates spp.) in herpetoculture I’d venture to say many people are in fact referring to one of these three species (Epricrates cenchria), (Epicrates maurus), or (Epicrates alvarezi) which are known as Brazilian Rainbow Boa, Colombian Rainbow Boa, and Argentine Rainbow Boa. Some may be unaware of the other eleven species of (Epicrates spp).
Rainbow Boa (Epicrates spp.) Taxonomy & Natural History
Outside of those often kept in captivity we have the following. Cuban Boa (Epicrates angulifer) which in 2011 only two were exported. There is also the Dominican Red Mountain Boa AKA Haitian Boa (Epicrates striatus spp.) of which two were also exported 2011. Tom Crutchfield, a colleague of ours is working with this very species. I spoke with Tom during the writing particular piece to see if he had some information on the natural history of the species. Tom informed me, he and some folks he’s working with are awaiting DNA sequencing to determine further information on this species.
So in lieu of the natural history being worked on, below there’s a great site about the species. Tom shares his own history with the Dominican Red Mountain Boas. Dominican Red Mountain Boas are becoming quite popular in herpetoculture these days as more are being produced by captive breeders.
As far as the other species of the genre (Epicrates) are concerned they are spread out across Central and South America as we will share below. The following paper goes in-depth to various degrees and is why we have the species we do today. Species Delimitation in the Continental Forms of the Genus Epicrates. We always remind people to use the scientific names to do their research on the natural history of ANY species because this type of information is not on care sheets. This information makes it easier to discover micro-habitats as well as learning about behavior in the wild. Taxonomy and natural history are extremely valuable. In particular when species are in flux as (Epicrates) is now.
- Epicrates alvarezi is kept sometimes, it’s found in Bolivia & Paraguay.
- Epicrates angulifer is found on Cuba and is known as Cuban Boa.
- Epicrates assisi is found in a few specific areas of Brazil.
- Epicrates cenchria is the most often kept. The Brazilian Rainbow Boa is found all over Northern Brazil.
- Epicrates chrysogaster Turks Island Boa comes from the Bahamas, Turks, and Caicos Islands.
- Epicrates crassus is found in Central South America. Paraguay, Bolivia, & Brazil.
- Epicrates exsul known as the Abaco Island Boa it is found in the Bahamian Islands.
- Epicrates fordi Ford’s Boa as it is known is found in the Hispaniola.
- Epicrates gracilis I am convinced taxonomists did this to mess with people (E. gracilis) is also found in Hispaniola.
- Epicrates inornatus Puerto Rican Boa is found yep, you guessed it in Puerto Rico! (have to throw some Boricua Love to my friend Eddie!)
- Epicrates maurus is the third Rainbow Boa often kept in herpetoculture, it’s known as the Brown Rainbow Boa is found in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, French Guiana, and Suriname.
- Epicrates monensis The Mona Island Boa is found on Isla Mona and Virgin Islands and is considered endangered by the IUCN. (E. monensis) is reported to be a more arboreal species than (E. inornatus) which is found in the same island range.
- Epicrates striatus according to the Reptile Database this species is commonly known as Haitian Boa. However, in popular parlance we have seen this species referred to by the name Dominican Red Mountain Boa. With that said there are some current studies being done to determine what are subspecies and what are not. As we mentioned earlier Tom Crutchfield of Crutchfield Reptiles is working out the details with his colleagues.
- Epicrates subflavus This is the last species in this genus and is known as Jamaican Yellow Boa it’s found on Jamaica and Goat Island and is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN.
Changes!
Dust off your (affiliate link) Hunky Dory
Due to findings in molecular phylogenetics by a group of scientists in 2012 the *(Epicrates sensu lato) is now the mainland clade and given the name (available at the time) of (Chilabothrus). They chose this name based on the physical characteristics of the snake.
“(Chilabothrus) comes from the Greek word for lip which is cheilos which means literally translated lip and the word bothros which means pits. Combined we get (Chilabothrus) which translates to lip without facial pits. This familiar aspect is common to most Pythoninae and in a few Boinae. The only (Chilabothrus) which digresses from this physical feature would be the (Chilabothrus angulifer). *for those not following science speak (sensu lato) literally translates to broad sense
In the paper titled Molecular phylogeny and historical biogeography of West Indian boid snakes (Chilabothrus) published in Elsevier Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution Reynolds, Niemiller, Hedges, Dornburg, Puente-Rolon, Revell recognize 10 species of (Chilabothrus sp.) (C. angulifer, C. chryogaster, C. exsul, C. fordii, C. gracilis, C. inornatus, C. monensis, C. striatus, C. strigilatus, and C. subflavus.) They further restrict the genus of (Epicrates sp.) originally described by Wagler in 1830 to five recognized continental species (E. alvarezi, E. assisi, E. cenchria, E. crassus, and E. maurus.) This paper also suggests rethinking the relationships of the some of the subspecies. Recognized now are the following. (C. striatus fosteri) and (C. striatus fowleri) as well as (C. striatus strigilatus) as all distinct subspecies. (C. striatus has the following subspecies. (C. striatus striatus), (C. striatus exagistus), and (C. striatus warreni).
Further elevation goes onto (C. strigilatus) which now claims to include the eastern Great Bahama Bank islands of Eleuthera and Long Island. The paper also states that (C. strigilatus) include both subspecies of (C. strigilatus fowleri) and (C. strigilatus fosteri). The paper goes onto state that while (C. striatus) remains in abundance in the wild, (C. strigilatus) is under threat of encroachment as well as introduced predators.
Captive Care of Rainbow Boa (Epicrates & Chilabothrus spp.)
Courtesy of Next Generation Boas
What are the proper parameters for the captive care of the Rainbow Boa (E. spp.)? With the species living in so many areas all over South and Central America we couldn’t possibly give all the captive care information in a singular piece. We decided we’d cover the three commonly kept species we’ve worked with over the years, as well as share some links to the captive care of the Dominican Red Mountain Boa, which none of us has had the opportunity to work with. We are also going to share some tips from Tom Crutchfield who’s been working with them for many years.
Wild Environment
The Brazilian Rainbow Boa is found in Trinidad, Tobago, French Guiana, Suriname, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. That’s a lot of locations to be found in! With that, one would imagine there would be what is known as a ‘type locality’ or a set of rough parameters where the snake is generally found. From all the documentation we’ve read, some of the (Epicrates & Chilabothrus spp.) seem to be an arboreal rainforest snake. But there are some particulars we’ve discovered.
Insular Chilabothrus spp.
The species of (C. subflavus) Jamaican Boa, (C. monenis) Mona Island Boa, and the (C. striatus fosteri) Bimini Boa are all known as insular (C. spp.) because as you may have guessed, they are all island populations. These species are threatened moreso than other (C. spp.) as they have no resources to disperse to when invasive species such as mongoose and rats are introduced to their micro habitat. The insular island topic is one that is covered in-depth by one of my favourite all time authors in his book (affiliate link) The Song of the Dodo: Island Biogeography in an Age of Extinctions
Heating Rainbows in Captivity
We’ve discovered there is a lot of disagreement about what type of heat is best and why. If you use both an under tank heater with an appropriate thermostat and a ceramic heating element of appropriate size to achieve the proper basking area temperature, this would create a premium basking area where the snake can bask and receive both belly warmth and ambient warmth as well. No matter what, do not use colored lights for reptiles as this may in fact disturb their natural circadian rhythms as we described in our article Colored Lights and other Myths the Pet Store Told Me.
Now that we have that figured out so to speak, we’ve found that (E. cenchria), (E. alvarezi), and (E. maurus) should never exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit for any extended periods of time. (E. cenchria) should not get below 70 degrees Fahrenheit unless they are meant to be used for breeding.
(E. maurus) prefers a temperature range of 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit as a daytime high, and as a night-time low 70-80 degrees. Ideal temps for the (E. cenchria) and (E. alvarezi) are as follows. Day time basking area of about 84 degrees and a night-time low of mid to low 70’s. This is according to personal experience of Roy Blanchette Jr. of Next Generation Boas. (Epicrates spp.) are a crepuscular species which means they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. (E. cenchria) & (E. maurus) attain between 4-6’ in total length while, (E. alvarezi) is said to get to just under 6.’
Courtesy of Next Generation Boas
Humidity
Humidity seems to be one of the largest issues people have when keeping the (Epicrates & Chilabothrus) genre. It should be evident, (Chilabothrus & Epicrates) genre are very susceptible to dehydration. To maintain the required humidity between 75%-80% we recommend that you use orchid bark and or ground cover bark at a depth of about 1″ to 1 1/2″ in total depth which is moistened every day by misting and allowed to dry throughout the day. To make sure that you’re hitting the mark with temperature and humidity we recommend (affiliate link) Zoo Med HygroTherm Humidity and Temperature Controller
Enclosure
Many articles you’ll read recommend a fifty-five gallon enclosure to house one adult (Chilabothrus & Epicrates spp.), I agree with this size. That said, some articles recommend this for a pair or trio of snakes, which is where we disagree. A rule of thumb, has always been; whatever size is required by one, you (generally speaking) double that size for two animals. It’s not rocket science, this is a point I have seen mentioned and not yet seen addressed in popular herpetoculture. Maybe that’s another article.
Whether its plastic or glass is a matter of taste. There are pros and cons to each but we’re not getting into those here. If you go with a glass enclosure make sure you purchase one with a sliding lid and or locking lid of some kind. While in our experience not a notorious behavior of (Chilabothrus & Epicrates spp.) they are known for their inherent ability to disappear from unsecured enclosures. Lid security is IMPORTANT!
Sandblasted Grapevine (Affiliate Link)
Decor
We see numerous ‘care sheets’ talk about decor in passing. Some say branches and others say they aren’t necessary. In 
As far as a ‘planted terrarium’ it’s really sort of hit and miss with this species. We’ve seen some be very active and others less active. If we were setting up for the first time to own a (Chilabothrus & Epicrates spp.), we would place a few plants, preferably in their own pots and make sure they are organically gardened. If not, then rinse off the rootball of the plant and re-pot it with organic Perlite-free soil. Leave three plants in their for a month or two, see what activity level your particular snake has. If you notice it’s not flattening all the plants but it is in fact cruising around, add a couple more if you like.
Plants not only add extra security for the snake, they also increase humidity as well. This goes without saying; plants also make for a great display vivarium as well. If your snake is the proverbial ‘bull in a China shop’ then go with the aquarium safe plastic or cloth plants available.
Water
Our personal rule of thumb with water bowls is to always provide a bowl large enough for the snake to climb into, curl up, and soak if they wanted to. With the Rainbow Boa (Epicrates & Chilabothrus spp.) this size water bowl will add to the humidity of the enclosure via evaporation. Water should be changed daily. Personal experience in the breeders circles find that large water dishes may cause too much humidity so this may be a play by it ear scenario according to some resources.
Feeding & Behaviors
Handling Rainbow Boas (Chilabothrus & Epicrates spp.) is nothing of concern if you’ve handled snakes before. Babies may be reticent to handling and may be ‘nippy’ but as the snakes grow they seem to become accustomed to occasional handling, and in our experience very tractable and docile. Feed as you would any other snake with appropriate size frozen then thawed rodents. It’s reported, many of the species of the (Chilabothrus & Epicrates) genus when first-born, take amphibians and lizards as first prey, then later move to rodents and birds. This may present problematic feeding if you’re a new keeper.
Interesting Notes
As an interesting side note, mother boas of this genus are known to eat any still-born and or infertile ova (slugs).
(C. angulifer) frequents caves often feeding on bats (Chiroptera sp.)
(C. inornatus) feeds mostly on frogs and lizards.
In 2011 Dr. Warren Booth of The Univeristy of Tulsa formerly of North Carolina State Univeristy wrote about Consecutive Virgin Births in the New World Boid Snake, the Colombian Rainbow Boa, Epicrates maurus. To bring it to basics, Dr. Booth and his colleagues have discovered that Boids and Pythons are attempting a coup of the Y Chromosome and leaving the boys in the yard. Which means those wily females can produce parthenogenetically or reproduce offspring without sexual reproduction. For more about this please see our interview with Dr. Booth here.
Authors Note: This piece was made possible by the efforts of Roy Blanchette Jr. of Next Generation Boas, Tom Crutchfield of Tom Crutchfield Reptiles, and of course Dr. Booth of University of Tulsa. We here at the Reptile Apartment Group thank you for your contributions to this piece. All (Epicrates spp.) photos are owned by Next Generation Boas and may not be shared or distributed outside the context of this article without express written consent of Next Generation Boas. We ask that you respect the photographers work.