Range: Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.
Habitat: Inhabits arid scrublands, semi-arid shrublands, desert oases, canyons, and rocky areas. Appears to be common in riparian areas, but does not require permanent water.
Description: Average length is less than 36 inches, but may reach 44 inches in length. Rosy boas typically have a three-lined dorsal color pattern with a creamy grey background color. Some populations of rosy boas tend to have pinkish-red three-lined dorsal patterns, which give it its name. However, most rosy boas do not show the expected rosy coloration suggested by the name; shades of brown and tans are more common. As a result, the common name has often been ignored in favor of the name Three-lined snake.
Adaptations/Habitat: This snake is primarily active at dusk and at night. During periods of high and low temperatures, this snake will retreat to rodent burrows until the extreme weather subsides. This animal is rarely active during the day. Rosy boas are good climbers, and will often pursue their avian prey in bushes and shrubs.
Breeding/Growth: Viviparous, which means they give birth to live young (no eggs). Neonates are generally 10-14 inches when born. Males may be identified by the presence of enlarged anal spurs, which are reduced vestigial limbs.
Diet: Small birds, reptiles, rodents, and eggs.
Exhibit: Eeeww!
Notes: This is one of the smallest members of the family Boidae.
