Chilabothrus strigilatus (Cope 1862)

Chilabothrus strigilatus, also known commonly as the Bahamian boa, is a species of snake in the family Boidae. The species is endemic to the Bahamas. There are five recognized subspecies.^[2]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitats of C. strigilatus are forest and shrubland, but it has also been found in gardens.^[1]

Diet

Large adults of C. strigilatus prey upon both warm-blooded (birds, rodents) and cold-blooded (frogs, lizards) animals. Smaller adults and young prey predominately on lizards of the genus Anolis.^[1]

Reproduction

C. strigilatus is viviparous and reproduces every other year.^[1]

Subspecies

Five subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominate subspecies:^[2]

• Chilabothrus strigilatus strigilatus (Cope, 1862) – Bahamian boa – New Providence Island, including Rose Island, Eleuthera Island, Long Island and the Exuma Cays near Andros Island, the Bahamas
• Chilabothrus strigilatus ailurus Sheplan & Schwartz, 1974 – Cat Island boa – Cat Island and Alligator Cay, the Bahamas
• Chliabothrus strigilatus fosteri Barbour, 1941 – Bimini boa – Bimini Island, the Bahamas
• Chilabothrus strigilatus fowleri Sheplan & Schwartz, 1974 – Andros boa – Andros Island and Berry Island, the Bahamas
• Chilabothrus strigilatus mccraniei Sheplan & Schwartz, 1974 – Ragged Island boa – Ragged Island, the Bahamas

Etymology

The subspecific name, fowleri, is in honor of herpetologist Danny C. Fowler.^[3]

The subspecific name, mccraniei, is in honor of American herpetologist James R. McCranie.^[4]

References