How to Draw a Columbian Rainbow Boa

In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw a Columbian Rainbow Boa in 5 easy steps - great for kids and novice artists.

The images above represent how your finished drawing is going to look and the steps involved.

Below are the individual steps - you can click on each one for a High Resolution printable PDF version.

At the bottom you can read some interesting facts about the Columbian Rainbow Boa.

Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.

How to Draw a Columbian Rainbow Boa - Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: First, draw the snake's egg-shaped head. There should be a small bump for separation between mouth and forehead of the snake.

Step 2: Next, draw the face by adding a line from the tip of the nose to the right edge of its face. Above this line raw a medium-sized circle for the eye.

Step 3: Then, draw the long twisting body of your snake. Leave a space between the sides of your snake so that you have room to put the tail later.

Step 4: When you are happy with the shape of your snake, add the tail by drawing the two lines together into a sharp point for the end of the tail.

Step 5: The last step of drawing your rainbow is also the most important! Give your snake its unique pattern by adding the body lines like you see in the picture.

Interesting Facts about the Columbian Rainbow Boa

The Columbian rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria maurus) is native to Columbia and South America. While the young snakes can be nippy, the Columbian rainbow boa is actually known for its docile nature and how easily it can be tamed. The fact that is also non-venomous makes it a popular pet.

Did you know?

  • The Columbian rainbow boa can grow up to seven feet, but they are usually four to five feet long.
  • They usually live in humid forests, and spend most of their time in low hanging branches and on the ground.
  • Females are significantly larger than the males in both length and girth (how big they are around).
  • They can live 20-25 years in captivity.
  • They are usually beige to reddish brown, and they get their name from the iridescent rainbow sheen that their scales get when in light shines on them. At night, the sides of their bodies turn silver with splotches.
  • In the wild, Columbian rainbow boas eat lizards, birds and small mammals. Like all non-poisonous snakes, they constrict their prey with their bodies before killing them.

Lesson plan note: Talk about why it might be helpful for a snake to be able to change its color between the day and night.

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