Green anacondas probe differently than other boas and can be difficult to sex in this manner without a fair amount of experience. However, green anacondas can be accurately sexed by the spurs if you know what to look for. As in boa constrictors, it is not the presence, absence or size of the spurs that is important, but the structure or shape of the spur that distinguishes the difference between male and female. The larger the anaconda, the easier it is to see the structure of the spur. I use a binocular microscope on 10 power to sex newborn anacondas and boa constrictors, but other magnifiers will work just as well. Once anacondas reach 4 or 5 feet however, the structure of the spurs can be seen easily enough with the eye alone. On young snakes an assistant to hold the snake will help greatly. On female green anacondas, the spur will be deeply recessed into a cavity on each side of the cloaca. You can spread the cavity with your fingers to expose the spur. The female spur will be conical in shape and be about as long as it is wide at the base and have only a very slight curve to it, if any. The male spur is at least twice as long as it is wide at the base and will narrow quickly out toward the end. It will have a small, almost 90 degree hook out toward the very tip of the spur. Female greens spurs generally tend to be lighter in color than the males, but not always and I would not rely on that too much. Good luck and let me know how it turns out.



Kelly

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