Boa ID

[Valentine Pirate]

An acquaintance of mine sent me a message over facebook about a mystery boa they got from a pet store. From what I understand there's not much information on the snake, and as I don't work with boas I can't ID it for the life of me. I'm pretty sure it's not a BCC (I love their blocky/arrowhead shaped mugs), but that's about it. She told me it's stopped growing significantly right around 3.5 feet, but eating regularly. Here are the pics I have to work with

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

I can't help with an ID except that it's likely a dark BCI or cross. As far as the growth, boas only go through one or two growth spurts a year depending on age. They will seem to stay one size for the longest time and then all of a sudden get bigger.

[Daybreaker]

No BCC, but looks like it might have some CA influence (along with Colombian) which would explain the possible smaller size since CAs usually stay on the smaller side.

[Evenstar]

No BCC, but looks like it might have some CA influence (along with Colombian) which would explain the possible smaller size since CAs usually stay on the smaller side.

I agree. I was going to suggest Central American too. Most definitely a BCI though and not a BCC. I also suggest CA because of the coloration and pattern. CAs often have a slightly darker and/or busier pattern than Colombians - and they often have those black speckles on the head and throughout the body as these pics show. As far as size, most likely this animal has simply ended a recent growth spurt and will pick back up next year or so. If it is a CA, then you could expect its full growth to be around 5-6 feet, maybe 7 if its a female.

[Gio]

Hi, I'm by NO MEANS any type of authority on this, but I've been reading and studying boas like crazy for the last 6 months and have an excellent source called:

THE COMPLETE BOA CONSTRICTOR by Vincent Russo. From the looks of it, I sort of think it could have some Nicaragua influence in there.

I'm sure somebody here will know eventually. The other thing is there are so many crosses it might be a mix of island and Colombian.

And,, after all of that typing, I guess I don't really know LOL!

Try asking Gus Rentfro, he responds to e-mail pretty fast and IS an expert. Rio Bravo Reptiles is his business.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

Hi, I'm by NO MEANS any type of authority on this, but I've been reading and studying boas like crazy for the last 6 months and have an excellent source called:

THE COMPLETE BOA CONSTRICTOR by Vincent Russo. From the looks of it, I sort of think it could have some Nicaragua influence in there.

I'm sure somebody here will know eventually. The other thing is there are so many crosses it might be a mix of island and Colombian.

And,, after all of that typing, I guess I don't really know LOL!

Try asking Gus Rentfro, he responds to e-mail pretty fast and IS an expert. Rio Bravo Reptiles is his business.

You might be right because as Evanstar said,"CA" influence. Nics are Central American boas. I'm learning about these myself since I just picked up a trio of nice CA Nics.

[TheWinWizard]

Looks like a Nic to me. Unfortunately, without info from the actual breeder, it's all guess work. It's a BCI of CA descent and that's probably all you'll ever really know. Enjoy it and good luck with it.