deep underground to assist in remaining hydrated. Recent rainfall often results in a flurry of surface activity. The desert rosy boa forages mainly for small mammals, but has occasionally been known to take other prey items, such as lizards, amphibians, other snakes, birds and their chicks, and mammals (such as bats). Pack rats, baby rabbits, deer mice, and kangaroo rats make up a large portion of its diet. The desert rosy boa is one of the slowest-moving species of snakes in the world. It is unable to pursue prey and must either wait in ambush or stalk its meals. When a meal is within reach, usually a few inches, a desert rosy boa strikes with surprising speed and accuracy. Prey is secured with tiny rows of needle-sharp teeth, then suffocated through constriction. The desert rosy boa is extremely docile when encountered by humans. When disturbed, it usually rolls into a compact ball with the head in the center. The species is not prone to bite in defense, but rather will release a foul-smelling musk from the base of the tail when threatened. When human bites have occurred, they have usually been the result of a feeding response with a captive animal. The desert rosy boa is nonvenomous. Its extreme docility, few needs, and attractive coloration have made the desert rosy boa popular with herpetoculturists. Reproduction The desert rosy boa bears live young, about six in a brood, with newborns up to in length. In captivity Its generally docile temperament and small size make the desert rosy boa an ideal choice for a pet snake. It is frequently captive bred, and different color variations are available in captivity due to selective breeding. With good care, desert rosy boa are capable of living 30+ years in captivity. References Further reading Behler JL, King FW (1979). The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 743 pp. . (Lichanura trivirgata, pp. 587–588 + Plates 508, 525). Boulenger GA (1893). Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I., Containing the Families ... Boidæ ... London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiii + 448 pp. + Plates I–XXVIII. (Lichanura trivirgata, p. 129). Cope ED (1861). "Contributions to the Ophiology of Lower California, Mexico and Central America". Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 13: 292–306. (Lichanura trivirgata, new species, p.