Boa Constrictor Imperator (BCI)

Boa constrictor imperator
Morph: IMG Het Leopard Anery 50% Albino

Species Overview

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

• Appearance: This boa expresses the IMG (Increased Melanin Gene) trait, a co-dominant mutation that progressively darkens the boa over time, often resulting in nearly black adults. It is also Het Leopard and Het Anery, meaning it carries but does not visually display these recessive traits. Finally, it is labeled 50% Het Albino, indicating a one-in-two chance of carrying the Albino gene, though this is not visually expressed. Outwardly, it appears as an IMG boa with no visible sign of the recessive or het traits.

• Distribution: The natural Boa constrictor imperator ranges from Mexico through Central America to Colombia.

• Habitat: Wild BCIs inhabit tropical forests, savannahs, scrublands, and riverside habitats.

• Behaviour: Nocturnal ambush predators feeding on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Adults are primarily terrestrial, though juveniles may climb frequently.

Captive Care

• Enclosure: A naturalistic enclosure is recommended. Adults should be housed in at least a 6′ × 2′ × 2′ enclosure with sturdy climbing branches, hides, cork bark, and plant cover. Bioactive setups with soil substrate, live plants, and leaf litter provide excellent enrichment and stable humidity.

• 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 fine. Humidity should remain between 55–70%, with access to a large water dish.

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

• Behaviour in Captivity: IMG boas are visually striking and hardy in captivity. They may show strong feeding responses but usually tolerate handling once established.

• 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 IMG Het Leopard Anery 50% Albino involves:

• IMG (co-dominant, expressed): Increases melanin production, darkening the boa progressively with age.

• Het Leopard (recessive carrier): Carries but does not display the Leopard gene.

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

• 50% Het Albino (possible recessive carrier): One-in-two probability of carrying the Albino gene, though not visually expressed.