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Taxa

Boiga

Reptile Genera

Boiga is a large genus of rear-fanged, mildly venomous snakes known as cat-eyed snakes or cat snakes, in the family Colubridae, comprising 38 recognized species. Members have large heads and large eyes, typically colored black, brown or green with white or yellow markings, often banded though some species are spotted or solid colored. Research indicates the genus ancestor originated in Africa before diversifying and expanding into southeast Asia, India and Australia, and Boiga snakes have since spread to many other regions through their hardiness and adaptability; they are primarily arboreal, nocturnal predators of small lizards, snakes, birds and mammals.

Facts
Taxonomic Rank
Genus 1
Scientific Name
Boiga 1
Member Species/Taxa Count
38 1
Geographic Distribution
Native to southeast Asia, India and Australia; has spread to many other regions worldwide due to hardiness and adaptability 1
Defining Characteristics
Primarily arboreal, nocturnal snakes 1
Identification
Distinguishing Appearance
Typically black, brown or green in color with white or yellow accents; long-bodied with large heads and eyes 1
Classification
Living or Extinct
Yes 2
Connections

Parent Taxon Of

Brown Tree Snake, Species
Source Brown tree snake (Wikidata)
In the Other Atlases

Found In

Asia

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Australia

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

East Asia

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Southeast Asia

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Sources
1. Boiga - Wikipedia
  • Lead section, opening sentence, genus classification
    Boiga is a large genus of rear-fanged, mildly venomous snakes, known commonly as cat-eyed snakes or simply cat snakes, in the family Colubridae.
  • Lead section, opening sentence, genus name
    Boiga is a large genus of rear-fanged, mildly venomous snakes, known commonly as cat-eyed snakes or simply cat snakes, in the family Colubridae.
  • Lead section, species count sentence
    There are 38 recognized species in the genus.
  • Lead section, distribution sentence
    Species of the genus Boiga are native to southeast Asia, India, and Australia, but due to their extremely hardy nature and adaptability, have spread to many other suitable habitats around the world.
  • Behaviour section, opening sentence
    Snakes of the genus Boiga are primarily arboreal, nocturnal snakes.
  • Description section, color sentence
    Colors are normally black, brown, or green with white or yellow accents.
  • In Group: Snake Genera, Lead
    Boiga is a large genus of rear-fanged, mildly venomous snakes, known commonly as cat-eyed snakes or simply cat snakes, in the family Colubridae.
View the Source
2. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ1475483, descriptionView the Source
Wikidata: Boiga
Wikidata Q1475483, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source
Brown tree snake (Wikidata)
WikidataParent Taxon Of: Brown Tree Snake, Wikidata P171 (parent taxon) claim, rank=normal, target=Q1475483 (Boiga)View the Source
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