Malagasy Ground Boa

Description:

Adult females can be up to 10 feet (3.05 metres), males are typically smaller, the average size of the population is 8 feet (2.44 m) in length.[6] This is the largest snake species found on the island of Madagascar. Acrantophis madagascariensis, like others in the family, dispatch their prey by constriction. The color pattern consists of a pale reddish-brown ground color mixed with gray, overlaid with a pattern dorsal rhombs outlined with black or brown. Sometimes this creates a vague zigzag impression. The sides are patterned a series of black ovoid markings with reddish blotches, often bordered or centered with white

Habitat:

Endemic to Madagascar. Occurs in the central, northern and western parts of the island. The species usually occurs in sparse, open woodland such as the Madagascar dry deciduous forests.

Notes:

Seen on the path of a rural hotel on the west coast.