Photo Disclaimer
Description
B.C.I (Hypo Type 2 Anery "Ghost" 66% Het Burk's T+ Albino Nicaraguan)
Scientific Name: Boa constrictor imperator
Common Name: B.C.I, Hypo Type 2 Anery “Ghost” 66% Het Burk's T+ Albino Nicaraguan
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) in length, with females generally larger and heavier-bodied than males. Adult weight commonly ranges from 15–30 pounds, depending on sex, genetics, and husbandry.
Appearance: This Boa constrictor imperator combines hypomelanistic colour reduction with Type 2 Anery influence, resulting in muted reds, enhanced greys, and a clean, high-contrast appearance. The overall look is often described as soft, smoky, or silvery in tone, with reduced dark pigmentation and subdued warm colours. Nicaraguan locality animals tend to show refined patterning and balanced proportions compared to larger mainland forms.
Distribution: Native to Central America, with this locality originating from Nicaragua.
Habitat: Found in tropical forests, dry scrublands, forest edges, agricultural regions, and areas near rivers or wetlands. This subspecies demonstrates strong adaptability across varied environments.
Behaviour: A nocturnal ambush predator that relies on camouflage and patience. Juveniles may utilise low branches or dense cover, while adults are primarily terrestrial and spend daylight hours concealed.
Captive Care
Enclosure: A naturalistic enclosure is strongly recommended. Adults should be housed in a minimum enclosure size of 6′ × 2′ × 2′ (183 × 61 × 61 cm). Provide multiple hides, sturdy branches, cork bark, and visual barriers. Soil-based or mulch substrates assist with humidity retention and environmental enrichment.
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%, supported by a large water dish and occasional misting.
Lighting: Standard ambient lighting on a consistent day–night cycle is sufficient. Low-output UVB is optional and may be beneficial in planted or bioactive setups.
Diet: Juveniles should be fed appropriately sized rodents every 7–10 days. Adults typically feed every 14–21 days, adjusted based on prey size and body condition.
Behaviour in Captivity: Generally hardy and adaptable. Most individuals acclimate well to captivity and tolerate regular handling, though feeding responses can be strong.
Special Considerations: Due to their potential adult size and strength, long-term housing plans should be considered early. Larger individuals may benefit from assisted handling, and having a second set of hands is 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.
Type 2 Anerythristic (Recessive): The Type 2 Anery gene removes red pigmentation and darkens the body when expressed in two copies. Single-copy carriers are visually normal but can pass the gene to offspring.
Het Burk’s T+ Albino (Recessive Carrier): This snake carries one copy of the T+ Albino gene. T+ Albino is a recessive albino form that removes most black pigmentation but retains partial melanin, producing cream, caramel, honey, or light brown tones when expressed in two copies. Single-copy carriers are visually normal but can pass the gene to offspring.
Nicaraguan (Locality): Nicaraguan B.C.I represents a geographically distinct population. It can influence size, pattern, and temperament but does not affect the expression of other genes directly.
Ghost (Combination Morph, Visual): The Ghost morph refers to snakes visually expressing both Hypo and Type 2 Anery together. This combination produces a light, high-contrast appearance with cream and honey tones and subtle pattern contrast, while retaining the potential to produce Hypo, Type 2 Anery, or T+ Albino offspring when bred.