Source: Wikimedia Commons
Rainbow Boa
IntermediateEpicrates cenchria
A beautiful boa with rainbow iridescence. Body shimmers in seven colors at different light angles, from Brazil.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
25〜32℃
Lifespan
20-30 years
Size
120-200cm
Humidity
40〜70%
Diet
Mice, Rats
About
The Brazilian rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria) is a medium-sized boa native to South America, found primarily in Brazil and surrounding countries in humid tropical forest and savanna habitats. Adults typically measure 120–200 cm in total length. The species is renowned for its striking iridescent sheen: microscopic ridges on the scales cause structural coloration that produces a rainbow-like shimmer across the reddish-brown body in light. The dorsum is patterned with dark-edged circular markings. Rainbow boas are nocturnal and feed on small mammals, birds, and lizards in the wild. Juveniles can be defensive, but adults generally become more placid with regular handling.
Lifespan of the Rainbow Boa
The Rainbow Boa lives 20-30 years.
Size of the Rainbow Boa
The Rainbow Boa grows to 120-200cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Rainbow Boa
They require high humidity of 70–80% in captivity, which is essential for successful shedding, along with temperatures of 25–30°C.
Basic Info
Origin
South America, primarily Brazil
Lifespan
20-30 years
Size
120-200cm
Temperature
25〜32℃
Morphs (Varieties)
Rainbow boa has few established simple Mendelian morphs; Albino (T-/T+=Caramel), Hypo, and Anery are rare proven recessive foundations. Most high-color types such as High Red are polygenic, produced through selective breeding for deeper coloration.
RecessiveVisual only with two copies; one copy = het (carrier).
Albino (T-)Caramel (T+ Albino)HypoAnerythristicGhostSnow
PolygenicContinuous trait from multiple genes; intensified by selective breeding.
High Red
Sources: StarDust Scales - Rainbow Boa Morphs / Reptile Cymru - Brazilian Rainbow Boa Care Guide
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Epicrates cenchria (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Boa aboma Daudin, Boa annulifer Daudin, 1803, Boa cenchria Linnaeus, 1758, Boa cenchris Gmelin, 1788, Boa ternatea Daudin, 1803, Coluber tamachia Scopoli, 1788
Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
CITES Appendix IIIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: CITES Checklist (Boidae spp. Appendix II) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Rainbow Boa Listings
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