Candoia bibroni


Candoia bibroni is a nonvenomous boa species endemic to Melanesia and Polynesia. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.

Etymology

The specific name, bibroni, is in honor of French herpetologist Gabriel Bibron.

Description

C. bibroni is the largest member of the genus Candoia; adults can grow to up to 1.5 m in total length. The color pattern usually consists of a pale brown, tan, or reddish brown ground color overlaid with stripes, blotches, or spots. However, some individuals have no pattern at all.

Distribution and habitat

C. bibroni is found in Melanesia and Polynesia, including the eastern Solomon Islands, the Banks Islands, Vanuatu, all three of the Loyalty Islands, the Fiji Islands, Western Samoa, and American Samoa.
The type locality given is "l'île Viti". Jacquinot and Guichenot list the type locality as "de l'archipel de Viti, Polynésie".

Feeding

The Pacific tree boa hunts for food both on the ground and in the trees, preying on birds, lizards, and mammals, including bats.

Subspecies