Boa Constrictor Imperator (BCI)

Boa constrictor imperator
Morph/Lineage: Hypo 66% Het Type 2 Anery (Nicaraguan Locality)

Species Overview

• Size: BCI typically reach 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m), but Nicaraguan localities stay smaller, averaging 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m). They are more compact-bodied compared to Colombian BCIs.

• Appearance: This boa expresses the Hypomelanistic (Hypo) trait, reducing black pigmentation and creating brighter contrast with lighter saddles and background tones. It is also listed as 66% Het Type 2 Anery, meaning it has a two-thirds probability of carrying the recessive Type 2 Anery gene without visually displaying it. The Nicaraguan lineage enhances contrast, with darker base colouration and more compact proportions.

• Distribution: The natural Boa constrictor imperator is native to Central and South America, with Nicaragua recognized as one of its smaller-bodied localities.

• Habitat: Nicaraguan boas inhabit tropical forests, scrublands, and riverine zones, adapted to regions with distinct wet and dry seasons.

• Behaviour: Nocturnal ambush predators that feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. While juveniles may climb, adults are mostly terrestrial.

Captive Care

• Enclosure: A naturalistic enclosure is recommended. Due to their smaller adult size, Nicaraguan boas thrive in 4′ × 2′ × 2′ setups. Provide climbing branches, cork bark, hides, and foliage. Bioactive enclosures with soil substrate, live plants, and leaf litter support humidity stability and enrichment.

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

• Diet: Juveniles feed every 7–10 days on small rodents; adults every 14–21 days. Smaller-bodied Nicaraguan boas should be portioned carefully to avoid obesity.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Hardy boas, usually manageable with regular care. They often show strong feeding responses but tolerate handling with consistency.

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

Genetics/Lineage Note

The Hypo 66% Het Type 2 Anery (Nicaraguan) involves:

• Hypomelanistic (co-dominant): Reduces black pigment, brightening overall appearance and increasing contrast.

• 66% Het Type 2 Anery (possible recessive carrier): A two-thirds probability that this boa carries the Type 2 Anery gene, which removes red pigmentation when expressed.

• Nicaraguan Locality: Smaller-bodied boas averaging 4–6 feet, with darker colouration, compact build, and bold patterns compared to Colombian BCIs.