imperator as a separate genetic lineage with 5-7% divergence from B. Identification īoa imperator is commonly confused with other Boa species, such as Boa constrictor.īoa imperator was formerly classified as a subspecies of Boa constrictor until DNA sequencing identified B. ![]() These populations represent the smallest members of the species.īoa imperator has 55–79 dorsal scales, 225–253 ventral scales, 47–69 subcaudal scales, 18–22 supralabial scales and 1–2 anal scales. ![]() Mainland specimens from Colombia can be among the larger boas, but this species also includes a number of island dwarf populations, such as those from various Caribbean islands. which typically have a compact saddle pattern on their backs that is often circular in shape. The color of the tail may vary from salmon-pink to orange.Īnother well-known population of Boa imperator is the population from Nicaragua. These are naturally hypomelanistic, which means that they have reduced melanin, thus are more lightly colored, although they retain the distinctive darker tail that is characteristic of most members of this species. One population is found on the Cayos Cochinos (or the Hog Islands) off the northern coast of Honduras. Notably, the species is one of only two in snakes to have a confirmed XY sex chromosome system. They are, however, usually just as colorful as their counterparts and, like the larger boas, can be bred into a variety of different colors, given the right conditions to breed. Īlthough Boa imperator exhibits almost identical patterns to Boa constrictor, this species often has a darker tail, usually dark brown or very dark red. Lifespan in the wild is around 20–30 years, but 40 can be exceeded in captivity. They usually weigh around 6 kg (13 lb), although females are significantly larger than males. As one of the smaller Boa species, they average between 1.3 m (4.2 ft.) and 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) in length when fully grown, but have been known to reach 3.7 m (12 ft.). As a result, the appearance of this snake varies greatly depending on the specific locality. This line of T+ Albinos were originaly developed by Dave & Tracy Barker of Vida Preciosa International (VPI).Boa imperator is a wide-ranging species, living in both Central America and the northern parts of South America. Visual T Positive Albinos from this line also have pink tongues. The resulting appearance is that of an attractive Pale background colour and reduction of black pigment. As they mature, this grey colour will develop into a dark brown. Newborn Blonde T Positive Albinos (as seen in the pictures below) have little or no dark pigment at all & tend to show grey pigmentation where black would normally be present. This differs from T- Albinos such as Kahl & Sharp Strain in that areas that would normally be black or brown are typically white. VPI T Positive (Tyrosinase Positive) Albinos are an extremely desirable colour morph with a genetic mutation that appears to exhibit an inability to complete the synthesis of melanin but can produce other melanin related pigments such as various shades of brown grey & red. ![]() Some individuals also show a wash of pink in the background colour, primarily to the sides of the face & body, these are referred to as 'pink panthers'. ![]() Appearence: Pale ‘Caramel’ background colour with reduced/absence of black pigment, generally replaced with shades of brown.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |