Central American Tree Boa
Corallus
ruschenbergerii
Cope 1876
One of the longest species of Corallus, the Central American tree boa has an unique place in its
relationship to the other tree boas of the Amazon tree boa Complex. Their range extends from Central America into
northern South America where they serve to separate the Amazon tree boa from the remaining two species of the
Amazon tree boa Complex: the Cook's tree boa and Grenadian tree boa. It would make sense then that this species
would serve as an intermediate species between the Amazon tree boa and the island Corallus. But this is not the
case. It is actually quite different from the rest of the Complex and the Amazon tree boa is more related to the
island species than the Central American tree boa is to the island specimens.
But more interesting is the striking physical differences of this Central American species. They are easily the
largest of the complex and rival large specimens of emerald tree boas for the record of longest Corallus. Large
individuals top out at close to, if not over, 2000 mm (6 feet 6 inches) and are capable of taking down large rodent
prey. Furthermore, their dorsal scales are relatively much larger than any other Corallus and is rather colubrid-
like. Their heads are also enormous compared to the other Complex members.
As the name suggests, Central American tree boas hail from Central America. They also inhabit the island of
Trinidad & Tobago off the northeast corner of Venezuela. For this, they are also called Trinidad tree boas.
Individuals are now becoming more common in the United States and it is still possible that individuals shipped
here as Amazon tree boas are Central American tree boas because they are also found in Venezuela. There are
numerous reports that animals being exported are collected from all over and from other countries. Still, these
animals are rare and remain a bit of a mystery.
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