B.C.I (IMG Het Snow)
B.C.I (IMG Het Snow)
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B.C.I (IMG Het Snow)B.C.I (IMG Het Snow)

Captive Bred

B.C.I (IMG Het Snow)

Tails and Scales
Sex: Male
Price:
$800.00
Stock:
Sold out
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Description

Boa Constrictor Imperator (BCI)

Boa constrictor imperator
Morph: IMG Het Snow

Species Overview

  • Size: Boa constrictor imperator 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 IMG (Increased Melanin Gene) trait, a co-dominant mutation that progressively darkens the snake over time, sometimes producing nearly jet-black adults. It is also Het Snow, meaning it carries but does not visually display both the Albino and Anerythristic genes that define the Snow morph. Outwardly, it appears as an IMG boa with no visible signs of the recessive carrier status.

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

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

  • Behaviour: Nocturnal ambush predators that feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Juveniles may climb regularly, while adults are primarily terrestrial.

Captive Care

  • Enclosure: A naturalistic enclosure is recommended. Adults should be kept in at least a 6′ × 2′ × 2′ enclosure with secure hides, cork bark, climbing branches, and foliage. Bioactive enclosures with soil substrate, leaf litter, and live plants support humidity and enrichment.

  • 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 acceptable. Humidity should remain between 55–70%, with a large water bowl provided for soaking.

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

  • Behaviour in Captivity: IMG boas are hardy and visually dramatic, often darkening with age. They may show strong feeding responses but typically adjust well to consistent care and handling.

  • 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 Snow involves:

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

  • Het Snow (double recessive carrier): Carries but does not visually display both the Albino and Anerythristic genes that define the Snow morph.

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