Creature Feature Encyclopedia: Reptilia

Emerald Tree Boa Corallus caninus

The emerald tree boa is found only in South America. He is ideally suited for his forest environment. While waiting in the branches for his next meal, he looks like a long, slender vine. This camouflaged canopy hunter is primarily a predator of tree frogs, but he will sometimes try to sneak up on and devour an iguana. Like a monkey's tail, the prehensile tail of the boa acts as a hand. With the help of his handy tail, the emerald tree boa coils around branches when resting.

~A Walk in the Rainforest © 1992