Reproductionīoa constrictors and anacondas also differ in how they reproduce. They are also more solitary creatures, while boa constrictors will sometimes form small groups. This is largely due to the fact that anacondas rely on their senses of smell and heat to detect prey, and these senses are more sensitive during the night.īoa constrictors will also climb trees in search of food, but anacondas are primarily aquatic and do not climb trees. They feed primarily on large mammals, such as deer, capybaras, and even jaguars.īoa constrictors are also more active during the day, while anacondas are more active at night. Anacondas, on the other hand, are usually found in swamps and marshes. They primarily feed on small mammals, such as rats and mice, as well as birds and lizards. Boa constrictors are found in a variety of habitats, from deserts and grasslands to rainforests and mountains. The habitat and diet of boa constrictors and anacondas also differ.

This tail is used as a rudder when swimming in water, and helps the anaconda to steer and maneuver. Both snakes have a line of scales that run down their backs, but anacondas have a much more pronounced line.įinally, boa constrictors have a small, pointed tail, while anacondas have a larger, paddle-shaped tail. Boa constrictors have a triangular-shaped head, while anacondas have a more rounded head. They also have a very different coloration, often having a pattern of black and yellow stripes or spots.Īnother difference between the two snakes is their heads. Anacondas are much larger, and can reach lengths of up to 30 feet. Boa constrictors are slender and muscular snakes that come in a variety of colors, including browns, greens, and blacks. The physical appearance of boa constrictors and anacondas is one of the most obvious differences between the two species. While these two snakes share many similarities, there are some distinct differences between them. Both belong to the Boidae family, which includes more than 40 different species of non-venomous snakes. Their lifespan in the wild is about ten years.Boa Constrictor Anaconda Size Generally smaller than anacondas, usually between 6 – 12 feet Can grow up to 30 feet long Habitat Found in warm climates, especially in Central and South America Found in tropical rain forests in South America Diet Primarily carnivorous, feeding on small to medium-sized mammals Carnivorous, feeding on large mammals, birds, and reptilesīoa Constrictor Vs Anaconda: Comparison Chartīoa Constrictor Anaconda Average Size Average Size 4 – 13 feet 10 – 17 feet Average Weight Average Weight 10 – 25 pounds 30 – 70 pounds Native Range Native Range North, Central and South America South America Habitat Habitat Tropical forests, deserts and savannahs Tropical rainforests and swamps Diet Diet Small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish Small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish Behavior Behavior Nocturnal and shy Nocturnal and aggressive Reproduction Reproduction Ovoviviparous, give birth to live young Ovoviviparous, lay eggs Boa Constrictor vs Anacondaīoa constrictors and anacondas are two of the most iconic giant snakes in the world. Baby snakes are about 2 feet long when they are born and are almost immediately able to swim and hunt. Reproductionįemale anacondas retain their eggs and give birth to two to three dozen live young. Jaws attached by stretchy ligaments allow them to swallow their prey whole, no matter the size, and they can go weeks or months without food after a big meal. Anacondas are nonvenomous constrictors, coiling their muscular bodies around captured prey and squeezing until the animal asphyxiates. They reach their monumental size on a diet of wild pigs, deer, birds, turtles, capybara, caimans, and even jaguars. Their eyes and nasal openings are on top of their heads, allowing them to lay in wait for prey while remaining nearly completely submerged. They are cumbersome on land, but stealthy and sleek in the water. On Land and in WaterĪnacondas live in swamps, marshes, and slow-moving streams, mainly in the tropical rain forests of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Other anaconda species, all from South America and all smaller than the green anaconda, are the yellow, dark-spotted, and Bolivian varieties. Females are significantly larger than males. Green anacondas can grow to more than 29 feet, weigh more than 550 pounds, and measure more than 12 inches in diameter. Learn how they maintain their massive size.

The semiaquatic snakes weigh as much as 550 pounds, and can be as long as a school bus.

Boa vs anaconda vs python