Subphylum Vertebrata | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Serpentes Rank Species | |
Similar Tropidophis feicki, Tropidophis, Tropidophis melanurus, Tropidophiidae | ||
The Bahamian pygmy boa constrictor (Tropidophis canus) or simply the Bahamian pygmy boa is a species of nonvenomous dwarf boa native to the Bahamas. The snake's total length (including tail) is short, averaging between 30 centimetres (12 in) and 60 centimetres (24 in). Bahamian pygmy boas have the ability to voluntarily bleed and coil into a tight ball as a defense mechanisms. Four subspecies are recognized, and occur across many different Bahamian Islands.
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Physical
Like many species of pygmy boas the Bahamian pygmy boa is a rather small snake averaging between 30 cm (12 in) and 60 cm (24 in) in total length. The snake has the ability to change color through the movement of its dark pigment granules. Depending on the time of the day, a light or dark color may provide better camouflage. The Bahamian pygmy boa has a yellow-orange tail tip, which is likely used to lure unsuspecting prey. In the 1960s herpetologists Schwartz and March recorded an ontogenetic change within the populations of all four subspecies. Juvenile snakes were reportedly spotted with dark blotches on a lighter ground color, while adults were only faintly spotted with a less prominent body color.
Behavior
Bahamian pygmy boas are mostly inactive during daytime hours, usually coming out at night or during rain. Most dwarf boas are terrestrial and rest underground or in vegetation. A few have adapted to being arboreal. Young boas live in trees and shrubs and feed mostly on anole lizards. Adult boas feed on frogs, birds and rats. If threatened, the snake has been observed to coil up into a tight ball similar to that of a ball python. On Andros Island the species is known as the "shame snake" because of this defensive tactic. It also has the ability to voluntarily bleed from its eyes, mouth, and nostrils.