Boa Constrictor Imperator (BCI)

Boa constrictor imperator
Morph: Anery Het VPI

Species Overview

• Size: BCI typically reach 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) in length, with females generally larger than males. Adults can weigh between 15–30 pounds, depending on genetics and husbandry.

• Appearance: This morph expresses the Anerythristic trait, which removes red pigmentation and produces a striking silver, grey, and black colour palette. In addition, the animal is Het VPI Albino, meaning it carries the recessive VPI (Vin Russo line) Albino gene but does not visually display it. When paired with a VPI Albino, this gene can produce visually stunning combinations, including the VPI Snow Boa (Anery + VPI Albino).

• Distribution: The natural Boa constrictor imperator is native to Central and South America, ranging from Mexico through Colombia.

• Habitat: In the wild, they occupy tropical lowlands and semi-arid environments, often near rivers, forest edges, and savannahs.

• Behaviour: Primarily nocturnal ambush predators, boas feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are adept climbers and swimmers but spend much of their adult lives terrestrially.

Captive Care

• Enclosure: A naturalistic enclosure is strongly recommended, with at least 6′ × 2′ × 2′ for adults. Provide branches, hides, and natural décor such as cork bark and plants. Bioactive or semi-bioactive setups with leaf litter and live plants work well for enrichment and humidity stability.

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a gradient of 80–85°F (27–29°C), with a basking spot of 88–92°F (31–33°C). Nighttime drops to 75–78°F (24–26°C) are acceptable. Humidity should remain between 55–70%, with access to a large water dish for soaking.

• Diet: Juveniles feed every 7–10 days on appropriately sized rodents, while adults thrive on larger prey every 14–21 days.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Generally hardy and more tolerant of handling than many arboreal species. With consistent, calm husbandry, most individuals become manageable display or handling animals.

• Special Considerations: While selective breeding has produced a wide variety of morphs, their core care requirements remain identical to standard Boa constrictor imperator.

Genetics Note

The Anery Het VPI morph involves:

• Anerythristic (recessive): Removes red pigmentation, resulting in silver/grey/black tones.

• VPI Albino (recessive line): A distinct Albino strain developed by Vin Russo. Being Het means the boa carries this Albino gene but does not visually display it.