Boa Constrictor Size: How Big Are They Compared To Others? (2024)

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Amin Tawar

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Boa Constrictor Length

Boa Constrictor Size: How Big Are They Compared To Others? (1)

With its powerful coils and silent strikes, the Boa Constrictor is a formidable predator in the rainforest canopy. Boa Constrictors are a species of large, non-venomous snakes that are native to Central and South America. They are known for their ability to constrict their prey, using their strong muscles to squeeze the life out of their victims.

In terms of their length, they can grow up to 13 feet long and are known for their ability to constrict their prey using their powerful muscles.

On average, adult male boas can reach lengths of 6 and 8 ft (1.8 and 2.4 m), while adult females can reach lengths of 7 and 10 ft (2.1 and 3.0 m).

However, some individuals can exceed these lengths, with males reaching up to 9 feet and females reaching up to 13 feet. The maximum recorded length for a boa constrictor is 18 feet (5.4 m), but this is extremely rare and not the typical size.

Boa Constrictor LengthMeterFeet
Average lengthMale: 1.8 and 2.4 m
Female: 2.1 and 3.0 m
Male: 6 and 8 ft
Female: 7 and 10 ft
Maximum length5.4 m18 ft

Boa Constrictor Weight

And just as impressive as their length, Boa Constrictors are also known for their weight. Boa constrictors are primarily nocturnal and prey on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, but they can also be opportunistic feeders, consuming fruit and eggs. They are generally docile and are considered to be good pets by many snake enthusiasts.

If you want to know about their weight then let me tell you, the weight of boa constrictors can also vary depending on the sex of the snake and the particular subspecies.

Adult males typically weigh between 6.8 to 10.4 kg (15-23 lbs), while adult females can weigh between 10 to 15kg (22-33 lbs).

However, some individuals can exceed these weight ranges, with record lengths reaching up to 45 kg (100 lb) or more.

Boa Constrictor WeightKilogramsPounds
Average weightMale: 6.8 to 10.4 kg
Female:10 to 15kg
Male: 15-23 lbs
Female: 22-33 lbs
Maximum Weight45 kg100 lb

Baby Boa Constrictor Size

Just like a newborn human, Baby Boa Constrictors may be small but they pack a punch.

Baby boa constrictors are typically born at a length of around 24-36 inches. They can grow quickly, reaching lengths of 5-6 feet within their first year.

While they may be small in size, baby boas are born fully independent and able to hunt and defend themselves from the start. Interestingly, they can also constrict their prey from birth and have the same smooth scales and color patterns as adult boas.

Moreover, as they grow, boa constrictors continue to shed their skin several times a year.

Their growth rate slows down as they reach maturity, typically around 3-4 years of age. At this point, they would have reached their full length and weight.1

Boa Constrictor Size Compared To Human

Boa Constrictor Size: How Big Are They Compared To Others? (2)

Moving on, can you Imagine standing next to a Boa Constrictor, terrifying right? Let me tell you beforehand that its size will make you feel like a tiny human. This is because Boa constrictors are giant snakes, and they can be quite intimidating when seen in person.

An adult boa can be several times the length of an average adult human, and they can weigh several times as much as well.

A 13 feet long boa constrictor can weigh up to 60 pounds, which is larger than the average human. For instance, while the Boa measures up to 6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m) in length and 6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs) in weight, humans on the other hand are just 5.5 to 5.9 feet long and 132 to 176 pounds (60 to 80 kgs) heavy.

Animal typeHeightWeight
Boa constrictor6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m)6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs)
Average adult human5.5 to 5.9 feet132 to 176 pounds (60 to 80 kgs)

Boa Constrictor Size Vs Python Size Comparison

When it comes to size, Boa Constrictors and Pythons are quite heavy. Both boa constrictors and pythons are giant, non-venomous snakes that are known for their ability to constrict their prey. However, there are some notable differences in size between the two species.

Boa constrictors typically grow to be smaller than pythons, with adult boas reaching lengths of 6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m) and weight of 6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs), while adult Burmese pythons can reach lengths of 8 and 20 feet (2.4 — 6 m) and weight of 200 pounds. Additionally, boa constrictors tend to be more slender and agile than pythons, which have bulkier bodies.

Animal typeHeightWeight
Boa constrictor6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m)6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs)
Burmese python8 and 20 feet (2.4 — 6 m)200-pound

Boa Constrictor Size Vs Anaconda Size Comparison

Did you know that both the boa constrictors and green anacondas are giant, non-venomous snakes that are known for their ability to constrict their prey. However, both are quite different in terms of their body size.

That is, Boa constrictors typically grow to be smaller than green anacondas, with adult boas reaching lengths of 6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m) and weight of 6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs), while adult green anacondas can reach lengths of up to 3 m to 4.6 m (9 ft 10 in to 15 ft 1 in) and weigh up to 100-150 pounds.

Animal typeHeightWeight
Boa constrictor6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m)6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs)
Green Anaconda3 m to 4.6 m (9 ft 10 in to 15 ft 1 in)100-150 pounds

Boa Constrictor Vs King Cobra Size Comparison

Unlike the other sets of comparison, Boa constrictors and King Cobra are two different species of snake, with very different characteristics.

King Cobras are venomous snakes that are native to Southeast Asia, while boa constrictors are non-venomous snakes that are native to Central and South America.

King cobras are typically larger than boa constrictors, with adult king cobras reaching lengths of up to 3.18 to 4 m (10.4 to 13.1 ft) and weight of 6kg (13lbs), while adult boas typically reach lengths of 6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m) and weight of 6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs).

Animal typeHeightWeight
Boa constrictor6 to 10 ft (1.2 to 3 m)6.8 to 15 kg (15 to 33 lbs)
King Cobra3.18 to 4 m (10.4 to 13.1 ft)6kg (13lbs)

Conclusion

And that was everything you need to know about the size of Boa Constrictor. I hope this article was informative enough and your queries were answered.

Thank You For Reading!

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Boa Constrictor Size: How Big Are They Compared To Others? (2024)

FAQs

How big is a boa constrictor? ›

Fast Facts. The boa constrictor is a large, heavy-bodied snake. Their body markings consist of beige blotches on a dark brown background. Adults range in size from 2.4-3 m (8-10 ft.); some boas can exceed 3.6 m (12 ft.), but lengths of over 11 feet are extremely rare; newborn boas measure about 60 cm (24 in.)

How big are boas compared to ball pythons? ›

Adult pythons average between 1.5 - 10 meters long (5 - 33 feet) and weigh between 22 - 90 kg (50 - 200 pounds). They are typically on the smaller end of the spectrum in captivity and larger in the wild. Boas are smaller at between 0.3 - 9 meters long (1 - 30 feet) and weigh 9 - 90 kg (20 - 200 pounds).

What snake is bigger than the boa constrictor? ›

Reticulated python (32.8 feet)

Another South Asian native, the reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) — decorated with a pattern of repeating diamond shapes that give it its name — is widely recognized as the longest snake on Earth today.

How big of an animal can a boa constrictor eat? ›

Depending on the size of the snake, boas may eat rodents, birds, lizards, frogs, and small to medium-sized mammals like opossums, monkeys, pigs, or deer. Some anacondas have been known to eat prey as large as a young tapir or even a caiman.

Which is bigger, Anaconda or boa constrictor? ›

The green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is the largest snake in the world. Anacondas weigh up to 550 pounds, have a diameter of up to 12 inches and grow up to 30 feet long. Like pythons and boas, anacondas are also predatory constrictors, and are categorized in the class Reptilia, order Squamata.

What is the full size male boa constrictor? ›

The usual size of mature female boas is between 7 and 10 ft (2.1 and 3.0 m) whereas males are between 6 and 8 ft (1.8 and 2.4 m).

What is a better pet, a boa or a python? ›

Better pets? Less space requirements. Boas easily take up 5x the space. With ball pythons you can have a rack of 40 adult females in the same area that you could only keep 6 or 7 adult female boas.

What is the world's largest snake? ›

The world's largest snake species, the green anaconda, inhabits the swamps and rivers of South America. Known for its immense size and strength, the green anaconda can grow up to 30 feet in length and weigh over 500 pounds, making it the heaviest snake species.

Do pythons get as big as anacondas? ›

While the reticulated python is longer, it's also slender. Anacondas are bulky. It's estimated that a 5.2-metre-long anaconda would weigh about the same as a 7.3-metre-long reticulated python. Green anacondas are non-venomous, solitary and found in South America and Trinidad.

What is the lifespan of a boa constrictor? ›

Boas are about 2 feet long when they are born and grow continually throughout their 25 to 30-year lifespan.

What eats a boa constrictor? ›

Perhaps the only predators of adult boas are jaguars or caiman, but both are equally at risk of being killed and eaten by an adult boa. When they are smaller, however, boas face a wide variety of predators: bigger snakes, hawks, and even very large spiders can all attack, kill, and eat a juvenile boa.

What is the most venomous snake in the world? ›

The inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) is considered the most venomous snake in the world with a murine LD 50 value of 0.025 mg/kg SC.

Can boa constrictors eat dogs? ›

However, larger boa constrictors have large, sharp teeth, and their bites can cause severe lacerations. Large animals are also fully capable of eating dogs and cats. Virtually all bites occur when the snakes are intentionally bothered.

What is the biggest thing a boa constrictor can eat? ›

The snakes eat a range of animals, from fish and small birds to monkeys and other reptiles. To catch their food the snakes wrap their body around the prey and squeeze. As the snakes get larger they can tackle bigger prey, with wild pigs among the largest eaten by Boa constrictor.

Is a boa constrictor aggressive? ›

Boa constrictors tend to be quite docile, although their potential to reach large sizes make them inappropriate pets for new keepers. Common boas are known for being curious, and come in a wide variety of color morphs. For intermediate-advanced keepers, boa constrictors can make great pets.

How painful is a boa constrictor bite? ›

These snakes are not venomous, but their bites are still incredibly painful, so you should seek medical care if you're attacked by one. Instead of elongated fangs, a boa constrictor has rows of curved teeth that are all the same size.

Is it safe to hold a boa constrictor? ›

Once the snake shows calm, slow tongue flicks, it is safe to pick it up. Use a snake hook to initially grab and lift the snake, then use your hands to take out the rest of its body.

Are boa constrictors good pets? ›

Common boas are a great choice of pet for people who might not have much time for upkeep as they do not require much care and as adults may only need feeding once every 2-3 weeks. It's easy to provide the perfect environment at home for a common boa.

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