out of curiousity comes...

[Mindibun]

a retarded question. *is ashamed*

I just want to make sure I'm not mixing things up. So far as I understand, a "columbian boa" is always a "columbian red tail boa". Is this correct, or are they two different snakes? (or for that matter, more than two. ex: a columbian boa could be any of the multitude of snake species that come out of columbia.)

...I cant believe I'm asking this, but I've looked all over the web and the snakes are always referred to as either a "columbian" or "columbian red tail" and the pictures always have a greyish or brown snake with a tail covered in red saddles. This is why I'm confused.

[Shelby]

It's not a stupid question. There are lots of different boa species and localities.. it's easy to get confused.

99% of the time when you hear 'colombian boa' it is refering to a BCI (boa constrictor imperator) boa constrictor from Colombia.. though often BCI from other places are called 'Colombian' too. They are the most common type of pet boa.

There are also Colombian BCC (boa constrictor constrictor) but they are far less common.

Colombian rainbow boas also are around, but usually they will be called by their full name.. not Colombian boa.

[qiksilver]

Colombian, not Columbian. Sorry pet peeve of mine.

But yeah, like Shelby said, they're the same, sometimes also called common boa, because Colombian boas are very commonly mutts in order to get smaller size, different colors or patterns, whatever. But for your question, colombian boa and colombian red tailed boas are the same.

[Mindibun]

Wow... I know how to spell I promise. I didnt even realize I was doing that. I'm an English major; I correct everyone else all the time. -lol- It's good to be on the receiving end for a change.

btw, when you say they are usually "mutts", I take it you mean they've been crossbred with anything and everything (exaggeration) So are there any pure ones left, and would it be worth it to try and hunt one down if someone wanted a Colombian? (Like the hog island boas) Or are they like balls where it doesnt matter other than for personal preference?

[Shelby]

I really don't know how many Colombian boas are 'pure'. You could always get imports, but there are always risks with that. It's entirely possible that the subspecies interbreed in the wild too.. they're not that far apart genetically.

[frankykeno]

Much like any snake, I think if you go with a reptuable breeder, you get a better snake and one you can be more assured of it's genetic background. Out of a pet store or from a less than great show or breeder...it's going to be whatever it is. There's a number of good boa breeders around that know their stuff. I'd go with one of those if you want any assurances on purity.