It is found in Central and South America and often reaches lengths of up to 1.5m. It belongs to the same family as the python and anaconda, which reach lengths of up to 9 or 10m. The boa constrictor's life span is about 25 to 30 years.
Some boas live in underground holes while others live in trees.
Their prey consists mainly of birds and small mammals such as rats and agoutis. Boas seize their prey in their jaws, then entwine it in their powerful body coils and kill it by suffocation. Boas still have vestiges of a pair of hind limbs. They lay shelled eggs and are one of the most beautifully coloured reptiles. This species is hunted for the skin trade, and products made from boa skin are common in souvenir shops.