Boa Constrictor Imperator (BCI)

Boa constrictor imperator
Morph: Hypo Scoria Het Anery

Species Overview

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

• Appearance: This boa expresses the Hypomelanistic (Hypo) trait, reducing black pigment and enhancing brightness and contrast, and the Scoria trait, a co-dominant mutation that produces highly variable, chaotic patterning, often including speckling, broken saddles, and unusual colour distribution. It is also Het Anery, meaning it carries but does not visually display the recessive Anerythristic gene (which removes red pigment when expressed).

• Distribution: The natural Boa constrictor imperator ranges across Central and South America, from Mexico through Colombia.

• Habitat: Wild BCIs are found in tropical forests, scrublands, savannahs, and river systems.

• Behaviour: Nocturnal ambush predators feeding on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Adults are mostly terrestrial but may climb occasionally.

Captive Care

• Enclosure: A naturalistic enclosure is recommended. Adults should be housed in at least a 6′ × 2′ × 2′ setup with sturdy branches, cork bark, hides, and plant cover. Bioactive enclosures with soil substrate, leaf litter, and live plants provide humidity regulation 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 acceptable. Humidity should remain between 55–70%, with access to a large water dish.

• Diet: Juveniles should be fed every 7–10 days on small rodents; adults every 14–21 days.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Hardy boas that typically adapt well to captive life. Hypo and Scoria combinations are particularly striking visually, and with consistent care most individuals tolerate handling well.

• 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 Hypo Scoria Het Anery involves:

• Hypomelanistic (co-dominant): Reduces black pigmentation, creating brighter colours and cleaner patterns.

• Scoria (co-dominant): Produces variable and chaotic pattern mutations, including broken saddles, flecking, and unusual colour distribution.

• Het Anery (recessive carrier): Carries but does not visually display the Anerythristic trait, which removes red pigmentation when expressed.