Family: Boidae, Boas view all from this family
Description 24-42" (61-106.7 cm). Stout, smooth, and shiny. Gray, tan, brown, or rosy-red with 3 brown stripes down body; occasionally blotched. Head and tail somewhat short and blunt. No large symmetrical scales on top of head or under chin. Neck nearly as wide as head. Males have clawlike spur on each side of anal plate. Scales smooth, in 35-45 rows. Anal plate single.
Subspecies Mexican Rosy Boa (L. t. trivirgata), distinct dark brown stripes, black speckles on belly; sw. Arizona (Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument) into Mexico.
Desert Rosy Boa (L. t. gracia), distinct rose, reddish-brown or light brown stripes, brown speckles on belly; se. California and sw. Arizona.
Coastal Rosy Boa (L. t. roseofusca), ill-defined pink, rose, reddish-brown, or brown stripes; extreme sw. California into Baja.
Breeding Habits poorly known. Mates May to June; 6-10 young are born October to November. Gestation takes approximately 130 days; newborn are about 12" (31 cm) long.
Habitat Desert, arid scrub, brushland, rocky chaparral-covered foothills - particularly where moisture is available, as around springs, streams, and canyon floors; sea level to 4,000' (1,200 m).
Range S. California into n. Baja California, sw. Arizona, and adjacent Mexico.
Discussion Nocturnal. Primarily terrestrial, but occasionally climbs shrubs. A powerful constrictor, it preys on small mammals and birds. It seldom bites when handled, but when frightened may coil into a tight ball with head hidden within the coils. The anal spurs are used by the male to stroke the female during courtship.
