Pseudoboa neuwiedii | |
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Pseudoboa neuwiedii in a house in El Limón, Venezuela | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Dipsadidae |
Genus: | Pseudoboa |
Species: | P. neuwiedii |
Binomial name | |
Pseudoboa neuwiedii (A.M.C. Duméril, Bibron & A.H.A. Duméril, 1854) |
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Synonyms | |
Pseudoboa neuwiedii, commonly known as the ratonel, is a species of snake endemic to northern South America.
Pseudoboa neuwiedii is found on the mainland of South America from Colombia to The Guianas, and in Brazil along the Amazon River, as well as in Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The specific name, neuwiedii, is in honor of German naturalist Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied.
Pseudoboa neuwiedii grows to a maximum total length (including tail) of 1 m (39 in).
Dorsally, it is reddish brown, either uniform or with some scattered small black spots. The top of the head and neck are black or dark brown. There may or may not be a yellowish crossband or collar across the temples and occiput. Ventrally, it is yellowish.
Pseudoboa neuwiedii is a powerful constrictor.
Pseudoboa neuwiedii feeds on any animal it can capture and subdue. Individuals have been reported to consume snakes as large as or larger than they themselves are.