Short answer: A heavy, slow-moving boa from the spiny forests of southwestern Madagascar, growing to about six feet. An adult needs a 6 × 3 × 3 foot enclosure, an 85–90°F basking spot, a 72–78°F cool side, 60–70% humidity, and a meal every 7–10 days as a juvenile and every 21–28 days as an adult.
Every number below links to the care source it came from. No AI-written care advice.
- Habitat
- Rainforest Canopy
- Home range
- Southwestern Madagascar
- Adult size
- 5–7 ft
- Lifespan
- 15–20+ years
- Diet
- Whole prey (rodents, birds)
- Active
- Dusk and night
- Care level
- Intermediate [source]
Setup at a glance
| Enclosure (adult minimum) | 72 × 36 × 36 in. [source] |
|---|---|
| Basking spot | 85–90°F [source] |
| Cool end | 72–78°F [source] |
| Humidity | 60–70% [source] |
| UVB (recommended) | Low-strength UVB reaching UVI 2.0–3.0 at the basking spot; aim for UVI 2.0–3.0 at the basking spot. [source] |
| Adult size · lifespan | 5–7 ft · 15–20+ years |
What to feed, and how often
Whole prey such as mice, rats, gerbils, chicks or quail. [source]
| Hatchling and juvenile (up to 3 ft) | One prey item of 30–70 g |
|---|---|
| Adult (no longer growing) | One prey item of 70–250 g, by the snake's size |
Supplements: None needed for whole prey
When is the next meal due?Feeding schedule →More Dumeril's boas
Dumeril's boa FAQ
What size enclosure does a dumeril's boa need?
At least 72 × 36 × 36 inches (length × depth × height) for one adult. [source]
What temperature does a dumeril's boa need?
A basking spot of 85–90°F and 72–78°F at the cool end. [source]
What humidity does a dumeril's boa need?
60–70%. [source]
Does a dumeril's boa need UVB?
UVB is recommended. Low-strength UVB reaching UVI 2.0–3.0 at the basking spot. Aim for a UVI of 2.0–3.0 where it basks. [source]
What do Dumeril's boas eat?
Whole prey such as mice, rats, gerbils, chicks or quail. Supplements: None needed for whole prey [source]
How often should I feed a dumeril's boa?
Hatchling and juvenile (up to 3 ft): One prey item of 30–70 g.Adult (no longer growing): One prey item of 70–250 g, by the snake's size. [source]
How big do Dumeril's boas get, and how long do they live?
Adults reach 5–7 ft and live 15–20+ years with good care. [source]
Where do Dumeril's boas come from?
Southwestern Madagascar. They are most active: dusk and night. [source]
Is a dumeril's boa a good reptile for beginners?
ReptiFiles rates its care level as intermediate. [source]
Neighbors in the Rainforest Canopy
ForestBeginner
Crested geckoCorrelophus ciliatus
7–9 in15–20 yearsPowdered crested gecko diet plus some insects
ForestBeginner
Gargoyle geckoRhacodactylus auriculatus
7–9 in15–20 yearsCrested gecko diet plus insects
ForestBeginner
Mourning geckoLepidodactylus lugubris
3–4 in10–15 yearsCrested gecko diet plus small insects
ForestAdvanced
Jackson's chameleonTrioceros jacksonii
9–13 in5–10 yearsInsects
Forest
Veiled chameleonChamaeleo calyptratus
Up to about 22 in6–8 years (females shorter)Insects
Sources
General husbandry information, not veterinary advice. If your animal is losing weight or seems unwell, see a reptile vet (find one through ARAV). Updated November 9, 2026.