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{{Short description|Species of reptile}}
{{More footnotes|date=March 2015}}
{{More footnotes|date=March 2015}}
{{Speciesbox
{{Speciesbox
| name = Rosy boa
| status = LC
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=IUCN>{{Cite iucn|vauthors=[[Geoffrey A. Hammerson|Hammerson GA]], [[Darrel R. Frost|Frost DR]], Gadsden H|title=''Lichanura trivirgata ''|volume=2007|page=e.T63726A12711011|date=2007|doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T63726A12711011.en}}</ref>
| status_ref = <ref name=IUCN>{{Cite iucn|vauthors=[[Geoffrey A. Hammerson|Hammerson GA]], [[Darrel R. Frost|Frost DR]], Gadsden H|title=''Lichanura trivirgata ''|volume=2007|page=e.T63726A12711011|date=2007|doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T63726A12711011.en}}</ref>
| image = Rosy-Boa-001.jpg
| image = Lichanura t. trivirgata.jpg
| genus = Charina
| genus = Lichanura
| species = trivirgata
| species = trivirgata
| authority = ([[Edward Drinker Cope|Cope]], 1861)
| authority = [[Edward Drinker Cope|Cope]], 1861
| synonyms = *''Lichanura trivirgata'' <br>{{small|Cope, 1861}}
| synonyms = *''Lichanura trivirgata'' <br>{{small|Cope, 1861}}
* ''Lichanura roseofusca'' <br>{{small|Cope, 1868}}
* ''Lichanura roseofusca'' <br>{{small|Cope, 1868}}
Line 14: Line 14:
*''Charina trivirgata'' <br>{{small|— [[Arnold G. Kluge|Kluge]], 1993}}
*''Charina trivirgata'' <br>{{small|— [[Arnold G. Kluge|Kluge]], 1993}}
*''Lichanura trivirgata'' <br>{{small|— [[Ernest A. Liner|Liner]], 1994}}
*''Lichanura trivirgata'' <br>{{small|— [[Ernest A. Liner|Liner]], 1994}}
*''Charina trivirgata'' <br>{{small|— [[:fr:Roy Wallace McDiarmid|McDiarmid]], [[Jonathan A. Campbell|Campbell]] & [[T'Shaka Touré|Touré]], 1999}}
*''Charina trivirgata'' <br>{{small|— [[Roy Wallace McDiarmid|McDiarmid]], [[Jonathan A. Campbell|Campbell]] & [[T'Shaka Touré|Touré]], 1999}}
*''Lichanura trivirgata'' <br>{{small|— [[Brian I. Crother|Crother]], 2000}}
*''Lichanura trivirgata'' <br>{{small|— [[Brian I. Crother|Crother]], 2000}}
*''Lichanura trivirgata'' <br>{{small|— [[Van Wallach|Wallach]] et al., 2014}}
*''Lichanura trivirgata'' <br>{{small|— [[Van Wallach|Wallach]] et al., 2014}}
| synonyms_ref = <ref name="Stejneger">{{cite book|url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/4271#|title=A Check List of North American Amphibians and Reptiles|publisher=Harvard University Press|year=1917|location=Cambridge, Massachusetts|<!--pages=125 |-->authors=[[Leonhard Stejneger|Stejneger L]], [[Thomas Barbour|Barbour T]]|page=73| chapter=''Lichanura ''}}</ref><ref>"''Lichanura trivirgata'' ". The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.</ref>
| synonyms_ref = <ref name="Stejneger">{{cite book|url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/4271#|title=A Check List of North American Amphibians and Reptiles|publisher=Harvard University Press|year=1917|location=Cambridge, Massachusetts|<!--pages=125 |--> vauthors=[[Leonhard Stejneger|Stejneger L]], [[Thomas Barbour|Barbour T]]|page=73| chapter=''Lichanura ''}}</ref><ref name=RDB>{{NRDB species |genus=Lichanura |species=trivirgata }}</ref>
}}
}}


The '''rosy boa''' (''Charina trivirgata'' or ''Lichanura trivirgata'') is a [[species]] of snake in the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Boidae]]. The rosy boa is native to the [[American Southwest]] and [[Baja California]] and [[Sonora]] in [[Mexico]]. The rosy boa is one of only two species in the boa family native to the [[United States]], the other being the [[rubber boa]] (''Charina bottae'').
The '''desert rosy boa''' ('''''Lichanura trivirgata''''') is a species of snake in the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Boidae]]. The desert rosy boa is native to the [[American Southwest]] and [[Baja California]] and [[Sonora]] in [[Mexico]]. The desert rosy boa is one of four species in the boa family native to the continental [[United States]], the other three being the coastal rosy boa (''[[Lichanura orcutti]]'') and the two species of rubber boas (''[[Charina]]'').


==Taxonomy==
==Taxonomy==
[[Edward Drinker Cope]] described the species in 1861. The specific epithet ''trivirgata'' refers to the distinct three stripes characteristic of the species. The rosy boa is considered to be the only species within the [[genus]] ''Lichanura'', but some researchers have placed it in the genus ''Charina'' with the rubber boa (see synonymy). Newer phylogenetic research supports the original arrangement, but herpetologists are still not unified on rosy boa taxonomy. The subspecific designations are just as uncertain, with many sources not accepting ''L. t. arizonae'' or ''L. t. saslowi'', and others not recognizing any subspecies as being valid..
[[Edward Drinker Cope]] [[species description|described ]]the species in 1861. The specific epithet ''trivirgata'' refers to the distinct three stripes characteristic of the species. Some researchers have placed the species in the genus ''Charina'' with the rubber boas (see Synonyms). Newer phylogenetic research supports the original arrangement, but herpetologists still do not agree on rosy boa taxonomy. The subspecific designations are just as uncertain, with many authorities not accepting ''L. t. arizonae'' or ''L. t. saslowi'', and others not recognizing any of the subspecies as being valid.


===Subspecies===
===Subspecies===
Four subspecies at the most are recognized:
*Arizona rosy boa, ''L. t. arizonae'' <small>[[D.E. Spiteri|Spiteri]], 1991</small>
*Arizona rosy boa, ''L. t. arizonae'' <small>[[D.E. Spiteri|Spiteri]], 1991</small>
*Desert rosy boa, ''L. t. gracia'' <small>[[Laurence Monroe Klauber|Klauber]], 1931</small> – ground color laced with well-defined pink, orange, or tan longitudinal stripes
*desert rosy boa, ''L. t. gracia'' <small>[[Laurence Monroe Klauber|Klauber]], 1931</small> – ground color laced with pink, orange, or tan well-defined longitudinal stripes
*Coastal rosy boa, ''L. t. roseofusca'' <small>[[Edward Drinker Cope|Cope]], 1868</small> – ground color laced with blotchy reddish-brown longitudinal stripes
*Baja rosy boa, ''L. t. saslowi'' <small>[[D.E. Spiteri|Spiteri]], 1987</small>
*Baja rosy boa, ''L. t. saslowi'' <small>[[D.E. Spiteri|Spiteri]], 1987</small>
*Mexican rosy boa, ''L. t. trivirgata'' <small>Cope, 1861</small> – ground color laced with pale, creamy broad longitudinal stripes
*Mexican rosy boa, ''L. t. trivirgata'' <small>Cope, 1861</small> – ground color laced with pale cream broad longitudinal stripes


==Description==
==Description==
A small snake, the rosy boa normally attains a total length (including tail) of {{convert|17|–|34|in|cm|abbr=on}}, although some coastal specimens from California reach {{convert|36|–|44|in|cm|abbr=on}}. A large adult has a body width about the diameter of a golf ball. Coloration of the rosy boa is highly variable, and usually locale-specific. The common name is derived from the rosy or salmon coloration that is common on the belly of specimens of the rosy boa originating from coastal southern California and Baja Mexico. Most rosy boa specimens do not have this ventral coloration, but instead have a series of dark to orange spots on a light-colored background.
Considered a small snake, the desert rosy boa normally attains a total length (including tail) of {{convert|17-44|in|cm|order=flip|abbr=on}}. Exact length varies by subspecies. Desert rosy boas are one of the smaller members of the family [[Boidae]].<ref name=animaldiversity>{{Cite web|url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Charina_trivirgata/|title = ''Charina trivirgata'' (Rosy Boa)| website=[[Animal Diversity Web]] }}</ref> A large adult has a body width about the diameter of a golf ball. Coloration of the desert rosy boa is highly variable, and usually locale-specific. Some individuals display a rosy or salmon coloration that is common on their underside; most rosy boa specimens do not have this ventral coloration, but instead have a series of dark to orange spots on a light-colored background.

Almost all specimens of the rosy boa have at least some trace of three longitudinal stripes, one down the center of the back, and two on the lower sides. The appearance of these stripes varies widely, from extremely straight and having high contrast with the interspaces, to extremely broken with almost no contrast with the interspaces. Stripe colors can be orange, maroon, rust, coffee, or black. Interspace colors can be shades of light to dark gray, gold, or cream.
Almost all specimens of the desert rosy boa have at least some trace of three longitudinal stripes, one down the center of the back, and two on the lower sides. The appearance of these stripes varies widely, from extremely straight and having high contrast with the interspaces, to extremely broken with almost no contrast with the interspaces. Stripe colors can be orange, maroon, rust, brown, or black. Interspace colors can be shades of light to dark gray, yellow, or tan.


==Distribution and habitat==
==Distribution and habitat==
The rosy boa is found in the [[Aridoamerica]] ecoregion, in the southwestern [[United States]] in the states of [[California]] and [[Arizona]], and northwestern [[Mexico]] in the states of [[Baja California]] and [[Sonora]]. In [[California]], the rosy boa ranges throughout the [[Colorado Desert|Colorado]] and [[Mojave Desert]]s and also occupies the coastal areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties. In [[Arizona]], the rosy boa occupies the Mojave Desert and the western areas of the [[Sonoran Desert]]. It is absent from the eastern and northern halves of the state. In Sonora, the rosy boa ranges from the border with the United States south throughout the Sonoran Desert to at least as far south as Ortiz. In Baja California, the rosy boa is almost ubiquitous ranging throughout the entire peninsula except in areas of extremely dry or rockless desert.
The desert rosy boa is found in the [[Aridoamerica]] ecoregion, in the southwestern [[United States]] in the states of [[California]] and [[Arizona]], and northwestern [[Mexico]] in the states of [[Baja California]] and [[Sonora]]. In [[California]], the species inhabits extreme southern San Diego County, California within the Tijuana River and Otay watersheds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rosy Boa - ''Lichanura orcutti'' |url=http://www.californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/l.orcutti.html |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=www.californiaherps.com}}</ref> In [[Arizona]], the desert rosy boa occupies the western areas of the [[Sonoran Desert]]. In Sonora, the desert rosy boa ranges from the border with the United States south throughout the Sonoran Desert to at least as far south as Ortiz. In Baja California, the desert rosy boa is almost ubiquitous ranging throughout the entire peninsula except in areas of extremely dry or rockless desert.


==Behavior==
==Behavior==
The rosy boa spends most of its life concealed beneath rocks and in crevices to escape the elements and natural predators. Granite outcroppings are the most common geologic association inhabited by the rosy boa. Less often, it is found in association with volcanic or other rock types. Only in rare places does the rosy boa inhabit rockless environments. In areas with few rocks, the rosy boa uses rodent burrows for concealment.
The desert rosy boa spends most of its life concealed beneath rocks and in crevices to escape the elements and natural predators. Granite outcroppings are the most common geologic association inhabited by the desert rosy boa. Less often, it is found in association with volcanic or other rock types. Only in rare places does the desert rosy boa inhabit rockless environments. In areas with few rocks, the desert rosy boa uses rodent burrows for concealment.


[[File:Lichanura-trivirgata.jpg|thumb|left|Rosy boa]]
[[File:Lichanura-trivirgata.jpg|thumb|left|Desert rosy boa]]
The rosy boa's activity season follows local weather patterns; however, it is generally dormant during the winter, and active during the spring, summer, and fall. Like all snakes, it is dependent on external temperatures to promote such normal bodily functions as digestion and gestation. Throughout most of its range, the winter is too cold for these functions and the rosy boa goes into a dormant state called [[brumation]]. The spring is breeding season, resulting in its highest rate of activity. Most specimens of the rosy boa are encountered in spring as they leave the security of their rock piles and crevices to seek mates. Another reason why the rosy boa may be active on the surface of the ground is to find prey or new territory.
The desert rosy boa's activity season follows local weather patterns; however, it is generally dormant during the winter, and active during the spring, summer, and fall. Like all snakes, it is dependent on external temperatures to promote such normal bodily functions as digestion and gestation. Throughout most of its range, the winter is too cold for these functions and the desert rosy boa goes into a dormant state called [[brumation]]. The spring is breeding season, resulting in its highest rate of activity. Most specimens of the desert rosy boa are encountered in spring as they leave the security of their rock piles and crevices to seek mates. Another reason why the desert rosy boa may be active on the surface of the ground is to find prey or new territory.


[[File:Rosy Boa Jaden L Garland April 2006 100 4506.JPG|thumb|right|A rosy boa from Riverside, California, exhibiting its docile nature]]
[[File:Rosy Boa Jaden L Garland April 2006 100 4506.JPG|thumb|right|A desert rosy boa from Riverside, California, exhibiting its docile nature]]
The surface activity of the rosy boa can take place during any hour of the day, but during hot weather, it is primarily [[nocturnal animal|nocturnal]]. In the spring, it is often out in the afternoon and early evening. In the late spring and summer, this activity period switches from dusk to late into the night. Because most populations of the rosy boa live in exceedingly dry habitats, activity is often highly moisture-dependent. During dry periods it remains deep underground to assist in remaining hydrated. Recent rainfall often results in a flurry of surface activity.
The surface activity of the desert rosy boa can take place during any hour of the day, but during hot weather, it is primarily [[nocturnal animal|nocturnal]]. In the spring, it is often out in the afternoon and early evening. In the late spring and summer, this activity period switches from dusk to late into the night. Because most populations of the desert rosy boa live in exceedingly dry habitats, activity is often highly moisture-dependent. During dry periods it remains deep underground to assist in remaining hydrated. Recent rainfall often results in a flurry of surface activity.


The rosy boa forages mainly for small [[mammal]]s, but has occasionally been known to take other prey items, such as [[lizard]]s, [[bird]]s, and [[mammal]]s. [[Pack rat]]s, baby [[rabbit]]s, [[deer mice]], and [[kangaroo rat]]s make up a large portion of its diet. The rosy boa is one of the slowest-moving species of snakes in the world. It is unable to pursue prey and must either wait in ambush or stalk its meals. When a meal is within reach, usually a few inches, a rosy boa strikes with surprising speed and accuracy. Prey is secured with tiny rows of needle-sharp teeth, then suffocated through constriction.
The desert rosy boa forages mainly for small [[mammal]]s, but has occasionally been known to take other prey items, such as [[lizard]]s, [[amphibian]]s, other snakes, [[bird]]s and their chicks, and [[mammal]]s (such as [[bat]]s).<ref name=animaldiversity/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reptileadvisor.com/rosy-boa |title=Rosy Boa Care – Owner's Guide on Size, Habitat and Diet |last=England |first=Jeff |date=14 July 2022 |website=reptileadvisor.com |publisher=Reptile Advisor |access-date=24 October 2022}}</ref> [[Pack rat]]s, baby [[rabbit]]s, [[deer mice]], and [[kangaroo rat]]s make up a large portion of its diet. The desert rosy boa is one of the slowest-moving species of snakes in the world. It is unable to pursue prey and must either wait in ambush or stalk its meals. When a meal is within reach, usually a few inches, a desert rosy boa strikes with surprising speed and accuracy. Prey is secured with tiny rows of needle-sharp teeth, then suffocated through constriction.


The rosy boa is extremely docile when encountered by humans. When disturbed, it usually rolls into a compact ball with the head in the center.<ref name="Schmidt&Davis">[[Karl Patterson Schmidt|Schmidt KP]], Davis DD (1941). ''Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada''. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons. 365 pp. (''Lichanura roseofusca'', pp. 96–98 & Plate 8).</ref> The species is not prone to bite in defense, but rather will release a foul-smelling musk from the base of the tail when threatened. When human bites have occurred, they have usually been the result of a feeding response with a captive animal. The rosy boa is nonvenomous. Its extreme docility, few needs, and attractive coloration have made the rosy boa popular with herpetoculturists.
The desert rosy boa is extremely docile when encountered by humans. When disturbed, it usually rolls into a compact ball with the head in the center.<ref name="Schmidt&Davis">[[Karl Patterson Schmidt|Schmidt KP]], Davis DD (1941). ''Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada''. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons. 365 pp. (''Lichanura roseofusca'', pp. 96–98 & Plate 8).</ref> The species is not prone to bite in defense, but rather will release a foul-smelling musk from the base of the tail when threatened. When human bites have occurred, they have usually been the result of a feeding response with a captive animal. The desert rosy boa is nonvenomous. Its extreme docility, few needs, and attractive coloration have made the desert rosy boa popular with herpetoculturists.


==Reproduction==
==Reproduction==
The rosy boa bears live young, about six in a brood, with newborns about 30&nbsp;cm (12 in.) in length.<ref name="Schmidt&Davis"/>
The desert rosy boa bears live young, about six in a brood, with newborns up to {{convert|30|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length.<ref name="Schmidt&Davis"/>


[[File:Rosy boa eating.JPG|thumb|right|Pet rosy boa eating a mouse]]
[[File:Rosy boa eating.JPG|thumb|right|Pet desert rosy boa eating a mouse]]


==In captivity==
==In captivity==
Its generally docile temperament and small size make the rosy boa an ideal choice for a [[pet]] snake due to it easy care and small enclosure size. It is frequently [[captive breeding|captive bred]], and readily feeds on commercially available mice. Many color variations are available, including [[albino]], as well as the different subspecies. With other species, such as [[corn snake]]s, [[milk snake]]s, and [[ball python]]s, dominating the majority of the market, the popularity of the rosy boa has not been as high as other species.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}
Its generally docile temperament and small size make the desert rosy boa an ideal choice for a [[pet]] snake. It is frequently [[Captive breeding|captive bred]], and different color variations are available in captivity due to selective breeding. With good care, desert rosy boa are capable of living 30+ years in captivity.


==References==
==References==
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==Further reading==
==Further reading==
*[[John L. Behler|Behler JL]], [[F. Wayne King|King FW]] (1979). ''The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians''. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 743 pp. {{ISBN|9780394508245}}. (''Lichanura trivirgata'', pp.&nbsp;587–588 + Plates 508, 525).
*[[John L. Behler|Behler JL]], [[F. Wayne King|King FW]] (1979). ''The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians''. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 743 pp. {{ISBN|9780394508245}}. (''Lichanura trivirgata'', pp.&nbsp;587–588 + Plates 508, 525).
*[[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger GA]] (1893). ''Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I., Containing the Families ... Boidæ ...'' London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiii + 448 pp. + Plates I-XXVIII. (''Lichanura trivirgata'', p.&nbsp;129).
*[[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger GA]] (1893). ''Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I., Containing the Families ... Boidæ ...'' London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiii + 448 pp. + Plates I–XXVIII. (''Lichanura trivirgata'', p.&nbsp;129).
*[[Edward Drinker Cope|Cope ED]] (1861). "Contributions to the Ophiology of Lower California, Mexico and Central America". ''Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia'' '''13''': 292-306. (''Lichanura trivirgata'', new species, p. 304).
*[[Edward Drinker Cope|Cope ED]] (1861). "Contributions to the Ophiology of Lower California, Mexico and Central America". ''Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia'' '''13''': 292–306. (''Lichanura trivirgata'', new species, p. 304).
*[[:fr:Coleman Jett Goin|Goin CJ]], [[Olive Lynda Bown Goin|Goin OB]], [[:de:George Robert Zug|Zug GR]] (1978). ''Introduction to Herpetology, Third Edition''. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman. xi + 378 pp. {{ISBN|0-7167-0020-4}}. (''Lichanura roseofusca'', pp.&nbsp;50, 318-319).
*[[Coleman Jett Goin|Goin CJ]], [[Olive Lynda Bown Goin|Goin OB]], [[George Robert Zug|Zug GR]] (1978). ''Introduction to Herpetology, Third Edition''. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman. xi + 378 pp. {{ISBN|0-7167-0020-4}}. (''Lichanura roseofusca'', pp.&nbsp;50, 318–319).
*[[Hobart Muir Smith|Smith HM]], [[Edmund D. Brodie, Jr.|Brodie ED Jr]] (1982). ''Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification''. New York: Golden Press. 240 pp. {{ISBN|0-307-13666-3}}. (''Lichanura trivirgata'', pp.&nbsp;138–139).
*[[Hobart Muir Smith|Smith HM]], [[Edmund D. Brodie, Jr.|Brodie ED Jr]] (1982). ''Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification''. New York: Golden Press. 240 pp. {{ISBN|0-307-13666-3}}. (''Lichanura trivirgata'', pp.&nbsp;138–139).
*[[Robert C. Stebbins|Stebbins RC]] (2003). ''A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Third Edition''. The Peterson Field Guide Series ®. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin. xiii + 533 pp. {{ISBN|978-0-395-98272-3}}. (''Charina trivirgata'', pp.&nbsp;343–344 + Plate 42 + Map 131).
*[[Robert C. Stebbins|Stebbins RC]] (2003). ''A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Third Edition''. The Peterson Field Guide Series ®. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin. xiii + 533 pp. {{ISBN|978-0-395-98272-3}}. (''Charina trivirgata'', pp.&nbsp;343–344 + Plate 42 + Map 131).
*[[Albert Hazen Wright|Wright AH]], [[Anna Allen Wright|Wright AA]] (1957). ''Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada''. Ithaca and London: Comstock Publishing Assosciates. 1,035 pp. (2 volumes). (''Lichanura roseofusca'', pp.&nbsp;60–66, figures 17-18, map 9).
*[[Albert Hazen Wright|Wright AH]], [[Anna Allen Wright|Wright AA]] (1957). ''Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada''. Ithaca and London: Comstock Publishing Associates. 1,035 pp. (2 volumes). (''Lichanura roseofusca'', pp.&nbsp;60–66, figures 17-18, map 9).
*[[Herbert S. Zim|Zim HS]], Smith HM (1956). ''Reptiles and Amphibians: A Guide to Familiar American Species''. Golden Nature Guides. New York: Simon and Schuster. 160 pp. (''Lichanura roseofusca'', pp.&nbsp;73, 156).
*[[Herbert S. Zim|Zim HS]], Smith HM (1956). ''Reptiles and Amphibians: A Guide to Familiar American Species''. Golden Nature Guides. New York: Simon and Schuster. 160 pp. (''Lichanura roseofusca'', pp.&nbsp;73, 156).


==External links==
==External links==
⚫
*[http://bajaboas.com/ Baja Boas: Celebrating the natural beauty and diversity of the Baja rosy boa]
*{{ITIS |id=563907 |taxon=''Charina trivirgata '' |accessdate=25 May 2006}}
*{{EMBL species|genus=Lichanura|species=trivirgata}}
⚫
*[http://bajaboas.com/ Baja Boas: Celebrating the natural beauty and diversity of the baja rosy boa]


{{Taxonbar|from=Q19075}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q19075}}


[[Category:Boidae]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Boa, rosy}}
[[Category:Snakes of North America]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Mexico]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Mexico]]
[[Category:Reptiles of the United States]]
[[Category:Reptiles of the United States]]
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[[Category:Fauna of the Baja California Peninsula]]
[[Category:Fauna of the Baja California Peninsula]]
[[Category:Reptiles described in 1861]]
[[Category:Reptiles described in 1861]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Edward Drinker Cope]]

Latest revision as of 20:33, 13 December 2024

Desert rosy boa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Boidae
Genus: Lichanura
Species:
L. trivirgata
Binomial name
Lichanura trivirgata
Cope, 1861
Synonyms[2][3]
  • Lichanura trivirgata
    Cope, 1861
  • Lichanura roseofusca
    Cope, 1868
  • Lichanura myriolepis
    Cope, 1868
  • Charina trivirgata
    — Kluge, 1993
  • Lichanura trivirgata
    — Liner, 1994
  • Charina trivirgata
    — McDiarmid, Campbell & Touré, 1999
  • Lichanura trivirgata
    — Crother, 2000
  • Lichanura trivirgata
    — Wallach et al., 2014

The desert rosy boa (Lichanura trivirgata) is a species of snake in the family Boidae. The desert rosy boa is native to the American Southwest and Baja California and Sonora in Mexico. The desert rosy boa is one of four species in the boa family native to the continental United States, the other three being the coastal rosy boa (Lichanura orcutti) and the two species of rubber boas (Charina).

Taxonomy

[edit]

Edward Drinker Cope described the species in 1861. The specific epithet trivirgata refers to the distinct three stripes characteristic of the species. Some researchers have placed the species in the genus Charina with the rubber boas (see Synonyms). Newer phylogenetic research supports the original arrangement, but herpetologists still do not agree on rosy boa taxonomy. The subspecific designations are just as uncertain, with many authorities not accepting L. t. arizonae or L. t. saslowi, and others not recognizing any of the subspecies as being valid.

Subspecies

[edit]

Four subspecies at the most are recognized:

  • Arizona rosy boa, L. t. arizonae Spiteri, 1991
  • desert rosy boa, L. t. gracia Klauber, 1931 – ground color laced with pink, orange, or tan well-defined longitudinal stripes
  • Baja rosy boa, L. t. saslowi Spiteri, 1987
  • Mexican rosy boa, L. t. trivirgata Cope, 1861 – ground color laced with pale cream broad longitudinal stripes

Description

[edit]

Considered a small snake, the desert rosy boa normally attains a total length (including tail) of 43–112 cm (17–44 in). Exact length varies by subspecies. Desert rosy boas are one of the smaller members of the family Boidae.[4] A large adult has a body width about the diameter of a golf ball. Coloration of the desert rosy boa is highly variable, and usually locale-specific. Some individuals display a rosy or salmon coloration that is common on their underside; most rosy boa specimens do not have this ventral coloration, but instead have a series of dark to orange spots on a light-colored background.

Almost all specimens of the desert rosy boa have at least some trace of three longitudinal stripes, one down the center of the back, and two on the lower sides. The appearance of these stripes varies widely, from extremely straight and having high contrast with the interspaces, to extremely broken with almost no contrast with the interspaces. Stripe colors can be orange, maroon, rust, brown, or black. Interspace colors can be shades of light to dark gray, yellow, or tan.

Distribution and habitat

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The desert rosy boa is found in the Aridoamerica ecoregion, in the southwestern United States in the states of California and Arizona, and northwestern Mexico in the states of Baja California and Sonora. In California, the species inhabits extreme southern San Diego County, California within the Tijuana River and Otay watersheds.[5] In Arizona, the desert rosy boa occupies the western areas of the Sonoran Desert. In Sonora, the desert rosy boa ranges from the border with the United States south throughout the Sonoran Desert to at least as far south as Ortiz. In Baja California, the desert rosy boa is almost ubiquitous ranging throughout the entire peninsula except in areas of extremely dry or rockless desert.

Behavior

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The desert rosy boa spends most of its life concealed beneath rocks and in crevices to escape the elements and natural predators. Granite outcroppings are the most common geologic association inhabited by the desert rosy boa. Less often, it is found in association with volcanic or other rock types. Only in rare places does the desert rosy boa inhabit rockless environments. In areas with few rocks, the desert rosy boa uses rodent burrows for concealment.

Desert rosy boa

The desert rosy boa's activity season follows local weather patterns; however, it is generally dormant during the winter, and active during the spring, summer, and fall. Like all snakes, it is dependent on external temperatures to promote such normal bodily functions as digestion and gestation. Throughout most of its range, the winter is too cold for these functions and the desert rosy boa goes into a dormant state called brumation. The spring is breeding season, resulting in its highest rate of activity. Most specimens of the desert rosy boa are encountered in spring as they leave the security of their rock piles and crevices to seek mates. Another reason why the desert rosy boa may be active on the surface of the ground is to find prey or new territory.

A desert rosy boa from Riverside, California, exhibiting its docile nature

The surface activity of the desert rosy boa can take place during any hour of the day, but during hot weather, it is primarily nocturnal. In the spring, it is often out in the afternoon and early evening. In the late spring and summer, this activity period switches from dusk to late into the night. Because most populations of the desert rosy boa live in exceedingly dry habitats, activity is often highly moisture-dependent. During dry periods it remains deep underground to assist in remaining hydrated. Recent rainfall often results in a flurry of surface activity.

The desert rosy boa forages mainly for small mammals, but has occasionally been known to take other prey items, such as lizards, amphibians, other snakes, birds and their chicks, and mammals (such as bats).[4][6] Pack rats, baby rabbits, deer mice, and kangaroo rats make up a large portion of its diet. The desert rosy boa is one of the slowest-moving species of snakes in the world. It is unable to pursue prey and must either wait in ambush or stalk its meals. When a meal is within reach, usually a few inches, a desert rosy boa strikes with surprising speed and accuracy. Prey is secured with tiny rows of needle-sharp teeth, then suffocated through constriction.

The desert rosy boa is extremely docile when encountered by humans. When disturbed, it usually rolls into a compact ball with the head in the center.[7] The species is not prone to bite in defense, but rather will release a foul-smelling musk from the base of the tail when threatened. When human bites have occurred, they have usually been the result of a feeding response with a captive animal. The desert rosy boa is nonvenomous. Its extreme docility, few needs, and attractive coloration have made the desert rosy boa popular with herpetoculturists.

Reproduction

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The desert rosy boa bears live young, about six in a brood, with newborns up to 30 cm (12 in) in length.[7]

Pet desert rosy boa eating a mouse

In captivity

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Its generally docile temperament and small size make the desert rosy boa an ideal choice for a pet snake. It is frequently captive bred, and different color variations are available in captivity due to selective breeding. With good care, desert rosy boa are capable of living 30+ years in captivity.

References

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  1. ^ Hammerson GA, Frost DR, Gadsden H (2007). "Lichanura trivirgata ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2007: e.T63726A12711011. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T63726A12711011.en.
  2. ^ Stejneger L, Barbour T (1917). "Lichanura ". A Check List of North American Amphibians and Reptiles. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. p. 73.
  3. ^ Lichanura trivirgata at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
  4. ^ a b "Charina trivirgata (Rosy Boa)". Animal Diversity Web.
  5. ^ "Rosy Boa - Lichanura orcutti". www.californiaherps.com. Retrieved 2022-04-21.
  6. ^ England, Jeff (14 July 2022). "Rosy Boa Care – Owner's Guide on Size, Habitat and Diet". reptileadvisor.com. Reptile Advisor. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  7. ^ a b Schmidt KP, Davis DD (1941). Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons. 365 pp. (Lichanura roseofusca, pp. 96–98 & Plate 8).

Further reading

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  • Behler JL, King FW (1979). The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 743 pp. ISBN 9780394508245. (Lichanura trivirgata, pp. 587–588 + Plates 508, 525).
  • Boulenger GA (1893). Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I., Containing the Families ... Boidæ ... London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiii + 448 pp. + Plates I–XXVIII. (Lichanura trivirgata, p. 129).
  • Cope ED (1861). "Contributions to the Ophiology of Lower California, Mexico and Central America". Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 13: 292–306. (Lichanura trivirgata, new species, p. 304).
  • Goin CJ, Goin OB, Zug GR (1978). Introduction to Herpetology, Third Edition. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman. xi + 378 pp. ISBN 0-7167-0020-4. (Lichanura roseofusca, pp. 50, 318–319).
  • Smith HM, Brodie ED Jr (1982). Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. New York: Golden Press. 240 pp. ISBN 0-307-13666-3. (Lichanura trivirgata, pp. 138–139).
  • Stebbins RC (2003). A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Third Edition. The Peterson Field Guide Series ®. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin. xiii + 533 pp. ISBN 978-0-395-98272-3. (Charina trivirgata, pp. 343–344 + Plate 42 + Map 131).
  • Wright AH, Wright AA (1957). Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. Ithaca and London: Comstock Publishing Associates. 1,035 pp. (2 volumes). (Lichanura roseofusca, pp. 60–66, figures 17-18, map 9).
  • Zim HS, Smith HM (1956). Reptiles and Amphibians: A Guide to Familiar American Species. Golden Nature Guides. New York: Simon and Schuster. 160 pp. (Lichanura roseofusca, pp. 73, 156).
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