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ReptileTerrestrialEasy
Rosy Boa
Lichanura trivirgata
The Rosy Boa is a docile, slow-moving North American snake. Best kept in an 80x40x40 cm desert-themed enclosure with secure rock formations and very dry substrate to mimic its arid, rocky natural habitat.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Boidae
Subfamily:Ungaliophiinae
Genus:Lichanura
Species:Lichanura trivirgata
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
20 - 40 %
Day temperature
24 - 28 °C
Ambient temperature
28 °C
Night temperature
18 - 22 °C
Basking spot
30 - 32 °C
Adult size
112 cm
Minimum enclosure
>= 90 L
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: The rosy boa is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States (southern California, southwestern Arizona) and northwestern Mexico (Baja California and Sonora). It inhabits rocky deserts, canyons, shrublands, and foothills, spending most of its time hidden within rock crevices, boulders, and animal burrows to avoid extreme desert temperatures.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the family Boidae and the genus Lichanura. Taxonomy distinguishes several subspecies and locality variants based on geographic distribution and distinct stripe colorations. Genetically, it represents one of the smallest and most primitive boa species, possessing pelvic spurs and vestigial hind limbs.
Behavior and Habits: Primarily crepuscular or nocturnal during the hot summer months, but may show diurnal activity during mild spring weather. It is celebrated for its extremely docile temperament and slow, deliberate movements. When threatened, it rolls into a tight ball protecting its head, rarely showing any aggressive behavior.
Morphology: Features a stocky, muscular body with a small head not distinct from the neck, and a short, blunt tail. Adults typically reach a length of 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches). The patterning consists of three dark, longitudinal stripes (ranging from orange, reddish-brown, to black) over a grey, cream, or light yellow background.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: An adult rosy boa requires an enclosure measuring at least 80x40x40 cm (approx. 30-40 gallons). The setup should reflect a rocky desert habitat with secure, heavy rock formations (to prevent collapsing) and branches. At least two hide boxes must be provided—one at the warm end and one at the cool end. Aspen shavings or paper-based bedding are preferred substrates over sand.
Lighting and Heating: A thermal gradient is essential. The warm side should have a hotspot of 30-32°C (86-90°F) using an under-tank heat mat or a ceramic heat emitter connected to a thermostat. The cool side should be around 22-24°C (72-75°F). UVB lighting (2-5%) is optional but beneficial for regulating circadian rhythms and natural behaviors.
Humidity and Hydration: Keep humidity levels low, between 30% and 50%. High humidity or damp substrate will cause respiratory infections and scale rot. A small, shallow water dish containing clean water must be provided at the cool end of the enclosure to prevent excess humidity buildup through evaporation.
Feeding and Supplementation: Feed appropriate-sized frozen-thawed mice. Young boas should be fed once every 7-10 days, while adult boas require feeding only once every 10-14 days. Do not handle the snake for at least 48 hours after feeding to prevent regurgitation. Mineral supplementation is generally not required if whole mice are fed.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary animals. Rosy boas must be housed individually to prevent chronic stress, territorial competition over warm spots, and accidental cannibalism. They should only be introduced to each other briefly during the breeding season if reproduction is planned.
Health and Common Diseases: Generally a very hardy species. Common health issues include scale rot or blister disease from damp substrates, respiratory infections from cold drafts or high humidity, and regurgitation from stress or handling too soon after meals. Regularly inspect the snake for external mites.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The rosy boa is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States (southern California, southwestern Arizona) and northwestern Mexico (Baja California and Sonora). It inhabits rocky deserts, canyons, shrublands, and foothills, spending most of its time hidden within rock crevices, boulders, and animal burrows to avoid extreme desert temperatures.
Origin
Central America and CaribbeanNorth America
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 112 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 112 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 112 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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