Desert Rosy Boa
Lichanura trivirgata
This snake reaches 17-34 inches in total length. It has a thick body with a small, elongated head and minimally defined neck. Its tail is short and blunt. It is named for…
How to identify
This snake reaches 17-34 inches in total length. It has a thick body with a small, elongated head and minimally defined neck. Its tail is short and blunt. It is named for the pink or salmon ventral coloration on some individuals. Color and pattern is highly variable and often depends on locale. In general, most have 3 longitudinal stripes on a light tan background color. These stripes can be complete and defined, or they can be broken, faded, or have jagged borders. Most have a pale ventrum with dark speckles.
Range
Southern California and southwestern Arizona, through the Baja Peninsula and northwestern mainland Mexico.
Habitat
This snake prefers desert and coastal rocky habitats, such as scrublands and canyons. It particularly likes granite outcroppings, and will often hide in rock crevices. It is common in riparian areas.
Variations
Background color is usually tan, but can be yellowish or grey. Darker pattern coloration is often burnt orange, but can also be black, maroon, or brown. Some are one solid color with no pattern.
Similar species
Very similar to the coastal rosy boa (*lichanura trivirgata*). It could also be confused with the only other boa species in the United States, the southern rubber boa (*Charina umbratica*) or northern rubber boa (*Charina bottae*).
Name and etymology
Trivirgata: Latin for three (tri) stripes (virgata).
At a glance
Size
43 to 112 cm
Range
Southern California and southwestern Arizona, through the Baja Peninsula and northwestern mainland Mexico.
Habitat
This snake prefers desert and coastal rocky habitats, such as scrublands and canyons. It particularly likes granite outcroppi…
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap