Boa or Python?

[msubigdawg]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me the differences between boas and pythons. I know most boas lay live young but there has to be more.
Thanks

[M_surinamensis]

Coronoid bone.

The birthing method has nothing to do with taxonomic classification between the two groups.

[Lisa]

heat pits on most pythons aren't there on most boas

[M_surinamensis]

Labial pits are also not of taxonomic importance at the level that's being distinguished here...

I know you said "Most" but that's exactly what makes the heat pits meaningless, if they were important than Corallus would all be pythons and Aspidites would be boas. The Coronoid bone is the feature which distinguishes the two groups... not egglayers versus eggsacks, not heat pits, not new world/old world, not temperment... Just the coronoid bone.