The recent taxonomic change recommended in this work is to include both genera Lichanura and Calabaria in the genus Charina, although most of the literature has not adopted this yet. Historically, there has been a debate as to whether the southern forms in Mexico represented a second species. Generally the agreement is that only one species is represented, although this has yet to be tested with molecular data. The differentiation between any subspecies is not known, and this species may show high levels of population substructure even within subspecies as it occurs disjunctly across many mountain ranges across its distribution. Rosy boas are one of the defining reptiles of the southwest, along with Gila monsters, desert tortoises, and chuckwallas.
Rosy boas occupy a variety of habitat types that change geographically.
Generally rocks are a constant feature of the habitat. Until recently nothing was known of their movement patterns or home range size, and generally very little is known about the natural history of this species. The increase in their popularity in the pet trade and the lack of knowledge about their population biology, has raised flags regarding the impacts of this industry on the future of natural rosy boa stocks. Additionally, recent research by Fisher and Case on the reptiles of coastal southern California is indicating that several additional factors may be leading to widespread declines in rosy boas. These factors include roads, habitat loss, increased fire frequency, urban light pollution, and poaching.