Boa Constrictor Imperator (BCI)

Boa constrictor imperator
Morph: VPI Sunglow

Species Overview

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

• Appearance: The VPI Sunglow is a combination of the Hypomelanistic (Hypo) trait and the VPI Albino line. Hypo reduces black pigmentation, producing cleaner, brighter colours, while VPI Albino removes melanin completely, resulting in vibrant whites, yellows, and oranges with pink or red eyes. Together, the morph creates a strikingly clean, high-saturation albino boa, often with crisp contrast and reduced pattern muddling.

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

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

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

Captive Care

• Enclosure: Adults thrive in a 6′ × 2′ × 2′ enclosure, with secure hides, climbing branches, cork bark, and foliage. Bioactive setups with soil-based substrate, live plants, and leaf litter help regulate humidity and provide 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 55–70%, with access to a large water bowl for soaking.

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

• Behaviour in Captivity: These boas are hardy and adapt well to captivity. They often show strong feeding responses but generally tolerate handling once acclimated.

• 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 VPI Sunglow involves:

• Hypomelanistic (Hypo, co-dominant, expressed): Reduces black pigmentation, producing brighter and cleaner colouration.

• VPI Albino (recessive, expressed): Removes melanin entirely, producing whites, yellows, and oranges with pink/red eyes.

• Sunglow (combo morph): The combination of Hypo + Albino. This version specifically uses the VPI Albino line, one of the recognized Albino bloodlines in boas.