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Colombian rainbow boa (Epicrates maurus)

Colombian rainbow boa (Epicrates maurus), typical appearance of the species

Snakes · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Colombian rainbow boa (Epicrates maurus) (origin: Northern South America and Central America – Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Trinidad, to Costa Rica and Panama). Adult size around 120–180 cm (usually 130–150 cm; females larger). Life expectancy 20–25 years, more with very good care. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Colombian rainbow boa: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 150×90×135 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, E. angulifer over 1.5 m, 1 adult animal).

Colombian rainbow boa: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot 30–32 °C (local hot spot), at night 22–24 °C.

Colombian rainbow boa: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential, low UVB optional.

Colombian rainbow boa: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–25 years, more with very good care.

Colombian rainbow boa: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature
26–30 °C
Night temperature
22–24 °C
Basking spot
30–32 °C (local hot spot)
Humidity
65–85 % (higher at night)
UVB
UVB not essential, low UVB optional

Enclosure

Minimum size
from 150×90×135 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, E. angulifer over 1.5 m, 1 adult animal)
Substrate
Coco humus or forest floor, damp and diggable, with leaf litter

Feeding

Food
Mice and rats (frozen-thawed)
Feeding interval
adults every 10–14 days, juveniles every 5–7 days

Key facts

Adult size
120–180 cm (usually 130–150 cm; females larger)
Life expectancy
20–25 years, more with very good care
Origin
Northern South America and Central America – Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Trinidad, to Costa Rica and Panama
Protection status
CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B; registration required in Germany (proof of origin needed)
Brumation
None
Cohabitation
Keep them singly – solitary; put them together only under supervision for breeding. Even where group keeping works, the feeding accident remains the risk: always feed them singly, ideally in separate boxes, and only house animals of roughly the same size together.

Notes

The most robust rainbow boa and the one best suited to boa beginners; less iridescent than E. c. cenchria. Facultative parthenogenesis is documented. Sufficient humidity still matters.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Colombian rainbow boa (Epicrates maurus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×90×135 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, E. angulifer over 1.5 m, 1 adult animal)), substrate (Coco humus or forest floor, damp and diggable, with leaf litter), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia EN, legislation.gov.uk, reptifiles.com, snaketracks.com, terrarien-welten.de

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).