Rainbow boa
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[Photo] Brazilian Rainbow Boa, Epicrates cenchria cenchria.

Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria) or Slender Boa, are an attractive terrestrial boas with currently ten recognized subspecies distributed throughout most of Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.

Distribution & Habitat
The Rainbow boas are given their name due to the multicolored iridescent sheen which covers their body when seen in sunlight. They are shy and nocturnal and live by rivers, streams, lakes and swamps. The Rainbow Boa subspecies are distinguished from each other by their markings and regions, most with well established local common names. It is rare to find two species in the same locality. Sometimes other species of Epicrates are also incorrectly referred to simply as Rainbow Boas. The taxonomy of Epicrates cenchria has been a subject of disagreement and the number subspecies will likely change in the future.

Brazilian Rainbow Boa E. cenchria cenchria is the most commonly kept and bred of the Epicrates cenchria subspecies.

Subspecies

Brazilian rainbow boa at Reptile Museum outside Monroe, Washington.
Argentine Rainbow Boa, Epicrates cenchria alvarezi
Caatinga Rainbow Boa, Epicrates cenchria assisi
Marajo Island Rainbow Boa, Epicrates cenchria barbouri
Brazilian Rainbow Boa, Epicrates cenchria cenchria
Paraguayan Rainbow Boa, Epicrates cenchria crassus
Peruvian Rainbow Boa, Epicrates cenchria gaigei
Espirito Santo Rainbow Boa, Epicrates cenchria hygrophilus
Colombian Rainbow Boa, Epicrates cenchria maurus
Central Highland Rainbow Boa, Epicrates cenchria polylepis
Rio Branco Rainbow Boa, Epicrates cencheria xerophilus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_boa

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