Candoia

Candoia
Candoia is a genus of non-venomous boas found in mostly in New Guinea and Melanesia. Four species are currently recognized

Description
Members in this genus typically have a rounded and heavy body, with a flattened triangular shaped head, and an upturned nose. Colors and patterns vary greatly, but most are various shades of brown to black. They can vary in adult size from 60 cm to 1.8 m. Males are typically smaller than females and can be distinguished by their prominent cloacal spurs.

Geographic Range
Found from Samoa and Tokelau west through Melanesia to New Guinea and the Maluku Islands.

Reproduction
Breeding occurs early in the year, typically after rains. Several males will approach and pursue a single female, though, there is no combat between the males. Females seem to only ovulate once every two or three years and give birth to litters averaging 10 or so neonates. The Solomon Island ground boa, C. carinata paulsoni is an exception as it is known to have particularly large litters, occasionally producing 30 or 40 small neonates.