Boa Constrictor Imperator (BCI)

Boa constrictor imperator
Morph/Lineage: Motley Chocolate T+ Albino 66% Het Black Eyed Anery (Nicaraguan Locality)

Species Overview

• Size: Boa constrictor imperator generally reach 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m), though Nicaraguan localities remain smaller, typically averaging 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m). They are stockier and more compact compared to Colombian lines.

• Appearance: This boa expresses the Motley and Chocolate T+ Albino traits. Motley is a co-dominant mutation that alters patterning into connected saddles, striping, or reduced designs. Chocolate T+ Albino (recessive, expressed) produces warm caramel, brown, and golden tones with reduced melanin. This snake is also 66% Het Black Eyed Anery, meaning there is a two-thirds probability it carries the recessive Black Eyed Anery gene, though it is not visually expressed. The Nicaraguan lineage enhances overall contrast and keeps adult size smaller.

• Distribution: The natural Boa constrictor imperator occurs across Central and South America, with Nicaragua producing a compact, darker-bodied locality.

• Habitat: Nicaraguan boas inhabit tropical forests, scrublands, and riverside regions, often in areas with seasonal wet and dry cycles.

• Behaviour: Nocturnal ambush predators feeding on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Juveniles may climb frequently, while adults are more terrestrial.

Captive Care

• Enclosure: A naturalistic enclosure is recommended. Adults thrive in 4′ × 2′ × 2′ setups due to their smaller size. Furnish with climbing branches, cork bark, hides, and foliage. Bioactive setups with soil-based substrate, live plants, and leaf litter are excellent for 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 fine. Humidity should remain between 55–70%, with a water dish provided for soaking.

• Diet: Juveniles should be fed every 7–10 days on small rodents; adults every 14–21 days. Care should be taken not to overfeed, as Nicaraguan boas are more prone to obesity.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Hardy boas that usually adapt well to captive care. They may show strong feeding responses but typically 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/Lineage Note

The Motley Chocolate T+ Albino 66% Het Black Eyed Anery (Nicaraguan) involves:

• Motley (co-dominant): Produces connected saddles, dorsal striping, or reduced patterns.

  • ⚠️ Note: The homozygous form (“Super Motley”) is generally considered fatal in boas and does not produce viable offspring.

• Chocolate T+ Albino (recessive, expressed): Produces golden, caramel, and brown tones with reduced melanin.

• 66% Het Black Eyed Anery (possible recessive carrier): Two-thirds probability of carrying the Black Eyed Anery gene, though not visually expressed.

• Nicaraguan Locality: Smaller adult size (4–6 feet), compact body build, darker base tones, and bold contrast compared to Colombian BCIs.