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Description
B.C.I (Hypo Het Albino)
Scientific Name: Boa constrictor imperator
Common Name: B.C.I, Hypo Het Albino
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) in length, with females generally larger than males. Adult weight commonly ranges from 15–30 pounds, influenced by sex, genetics, and feeding practices.
Appearance: Hypomelanistic Boa constrictors display reduced dark pigmentation, resulting in brighter overall colouration, increased contrast, and cleaner pattern edges. This individual carries the Albino gene without visual expression, meaning the classic albino traits are not present but may appear in offspring when paired correctly.
Distribution: Native to Central America and parts of northern South America.
Habitat: Found in a wide range of environments including tropical forests, dry scrublands, agricultural edges, and areas near rivers or wetlands.
Behaviour: A primarily nocturnal ambush predator that relies on stealth and camouflage. While capable climbers when young, adults are largely terrestrial and spend much of their time hidden during daylight hours.
Captive Care
Enclosure: A naturalistic enclosure is strongly recommended. Adults should be housed in a minimum of a 6′ × 2′ × 2′ (183 × 61 × 61 cm) enclosure, outfitted with multiple hides, sturdy branches, cork bark, and visual barriers. Substrates such as soil-based mixes or cypress mulch help maintain appropriate humidity levels.
Temperature and Humidity: Maintain an ambient temperature range of 80–85°F (27–29°C), with a basking area of 88–92°F (31–33°C). Nighttime temperatures may safely drop to 75–78°F (24–26°C). Humidity should remain between 55–70%, with periodic light misting as needed.
Lighting: Standard day–night lighting is sufficient. Low-output UVB is optional and may benefit overall activity levels and live plants in bioactive setups.
Diet: Juveniles should be fed appropriately sized rodents every 7–10 days. Adults typically feed every 14–21 days, depending on prey size and body condition.
Behaviour in Captivity: Generally calm and hardy when properly maintained. Regular, gentle handling helps maintain tractability, though feeding responses can be strong.
Special Considerations: Due to their potential adult size, long-term enclosure planning is essential. Larger individuals may require assistance during handling, and having a second set of hands is strongly recommended for safety and control.
Taxonomy Note
Boa constrictor imperator is a member of the family Boidae, a group of non-venomous constricting snakes native to the Americas. Formerly classified as a subspecies of Boa constrictor, B. imperator is now widely recognised as a distinct species based on genetic, morphological, and geographic evidence, with a natural range spanning much of Central America and extending into parts of northern South America. In captivity, this species is valued for its adaptability, generally steady temperament, and extensive diversity of selectively bred colour and pattern traits, all of which retain consistent core behaviours and care requirements across standard B.C.I forms.
Genetics Note
Hypomelanistic (Recessive): The Hypo gene reduces black pigmentation, producing cleaner, lighter colours and higher contrast between pattern and background when expressed in two copies. Single-copy carriers are visually normal but can pass the gene to offspring.
Het Albino (Recessive Carrier): This snake carries one copy of the Albino gene, which removes black pigmentation and produces red, orange, and yellow tones when expressed in two copies. Single-copy carriers are visually normal but can pass the gene to offspring.