The tail often exhibits reddish-brown tones, giving rise to the term "red-tailed boa" for certain subspecies. Boas also possess pelvic spurs — small vestigial limbs near the base of the tail ...

Allotment-holders in Newport had a shock when they came across a 6ft (1.8m) snake. The red-tailed boa constrictor was found at the allotments near Malpas Road on 14 June, the RSPCA said.