Python and Boa differences?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ssballow

Besides geographical origin and color patterns is there anything, anatomically, different between the two families of snakes?

---

Laying eggs and geographical location (new versus old world) do not determine whether a snake is a boa or a python.

Difference between boas and pythons include:

(1) With one exception, boas do not have a supra-orbital bone. All pythons have this bone.

(2) Not all boas have labial pits and if they do, they are located between the labial scales. Pythons, on the other hand, have theirs centered on the labial scales.

(3) The premaxilla (an area of the jaw) of boas are without teeth, while the premaxilla of most pythons are toothed.

Can someone tell me what Boas sense there prey with if they dont have heat pits? Im sorry I am new to this snake stuff.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Gkwon

Can someone tell me what Boas sense there prey with if they dont have heat pits? Im sorry I am new to this snake stuff.

---

Same way all other snakes without heat pits sense them. Their tounges and their eye sight. They might no have the best eye sight but they aren't completely blind.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Gkwon

Can someone tell me what Boas sense there prey with if they dont have heat pits? Im sorry I am new to this snake stuff.

---

Actually yes, Boa Constrictors can still sense heat with heat receptive nerve endings in their facial scales. Some pythons, boas and pitvipers have heat pits which are simply more condensed and more functional versions of the same receptors.