Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got this guy in a trade as a Solomon Island Tree Boa, but many people that have seen him say he resembles a Candoia more. I don't have enough experience to tell the two species apart on the patternless ones like he is. He is a sub adult male, red phase. He's not yet fully grown.

I was told to come here, as there are people who would know. Thanks everyone.

Here are some pictures.

Soaking

Prehensile tail

Size reference, (im a girl)

Head shape

Scales

Overexposed, but head shape again

Full body

Belly

He is candoia, candoia bibroni australis aka Solomon Island tree boa. Thats a very nice one! I have a male that looks pretty similar.

Dan Eby

thank you SO much!

are there any quick tips on telling the ground boas and tree boas apart?

I'm no expert on all the Candoia, but as far as Candoia bibroni go, mine seems to spend a lot of time on the ground in hides when they are young, and more time in branches when larger....so you kind of get the best of both worlds.

Once you know, you know and its quite easy.

Generally speaking the tree boa is simply longer and thinner.

That is a nice one you have there!

-j
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John R. Stebbins
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4.3 Candoia bibroni australis
0.2 Candoia carinata carinata
1.0 Candoia paulsoni
2.2 elaphe guttata guttata