Python vs. Boa

[Little B-Py]

What are the differences? My buddy (python guy) was wondering and I couldn't think of too many reasons besides head size, nose shape, and pattern...anymore ways they are different besides genetically?

[sg1trogdor]

WEll the terms python and boa are rather general dont you think. Are you talking about a Bcc, Bci, or any of the other boa localities and species, and as for python same question.

[sg1trogdor]

If you are referring to a BCI boa and a ball python then I would say temperament they are similar granted there's always the acception to the rule but both are very docile snakes. Boas seems more outgoing and inquisitive to me. THey just love to explore and hate to go back in their tub/tank when you are trying to put them away where balls are more shy at first and tend to take a while to feel comfortable when being handled. Other than thas theres arent any differences. unless your thinking breeding then pythons lay eggs and most boas give live birth I believe there are some sand boas that lay eggs if memory serves me correctly. Either way both great snakes for first snakes. Granted a boa will grow larger but not huge unless you get into the bcc's and other localities. If I missed anything anybody feel free to add.

[Little B-Py]

it was just a general question my friend asked, vague I know, but I couldn't give him an answer.

[sg1trogdor]

Well If we are talking python s and boas in general I haven't got a clue. There are so many animals in the python and boas families It is a very difficult if not impossible question to answer with a single response.

[Little B-Py]

understood. I figured because there are so many different subspecies that have so many different temperments, looks, etc. I would call it impossible to know exactly how to answer that question and obviously it was.

[mainbutter]

Python and boa species are seperated by family classification, pythonidae vs boidae

All species of pythonidae lay eggs, most species of boidae give live birth. I'm not an expert in comparing the two families of snakes, but a quick bit of searching came across this--

From wikipedia:
"Boids are, however, distinguished from the pythons in that none have postfrontal bones or premaxillary teeth, and that they give birth to live young. When labial pits are present, these are located between the scales as opposed to on them. Also, their geographical distributions are almost entirely mutually exclusive. In the few areas that they do coexist, the tendency is for them to occupy different habitats."

[Little B-Py]

that helps a bit.

[isorokko]

I instantly thought of this...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0412523/