Dumeril's Boa Question

[AR29]

Hi All,

Are there any Dumeril's Boa keepers on the forum? I had wanted them for quite some time and got a male and female from separate sellers later last year. They're both thriving and doing excellently and have amazing temperaments, which I couldn't be more pleased with. (The female's parents are both 34 years old from Richard Goergen who used to be out of Buffalo, NY but sadly heard he's passed)

But after getting my female and comparing her to the male, I noticed her head is a bit stubbier and more blunt, whereas the male's head looks a tad longer and pointier. I also noticed his patterning does not really connect on the back anywhere, whereas the female does have some connected patterning. With that noted, I started to wonder could the male have some Madagascar Ground Boa in him as well?

Based on my research, the Madagascar's have reduced patterning and a more elongated head shape and their patterning doesn't usually go as high up the sides/doesn't go over the snake's back or connect as often. However, I also know that there are different color/patterning variances between each species, so I wanted to get feedback from a longtime keeper who might have a better eye for it., as I've read some can look quite similar to each other.

I've attached pictures of them here and would appreciate anyone's feedback regarding the male. In the split-screen photo the male is the one pictured on the left and I also I included individual photos of each. Like all of my animals, they are first and foremost my pets and passion, but years down the line when they've grown my plan is to breed them, so just trying to do my due diligence on the male.

Thank you so much for any input and if you'd like more pictures, please let me know and I can definitely take some. Also, would love to see your Dumeril's boas if you have pictures to share! Really such awesome snakes.

Anthony

[Phillydubs]

I have a nice big male myself. I’m thinking about trying to find a female for him not sure yet. They are amazing animals and so gorgeous !!

yours are just stunning!! The one is sooo light !! Hope that holds for you!!

I’m by far no expert but I love the species and the similar species close to them. Based on my eye, what I know and the pictures you posted they both look like regular dumerils to me, just very nice ones.

I’m sure there can always be blood crossing and what not and there are drastic variations from light to dark depending on the parents. But I would consider them dumerils and breed as such...

[Kam]

Very beautiful boas. Quite possibly my overall favorite boa.


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[Bogertophis]

Wow, those are gorgeous boas! Sorry, I can't help with your question about their head shape.

[GoingPostal]

It's not impossible, there's no shortage of hybrid litters whether on purpose or not but I think yours are both Dumerils. There are some hybrids on MM right now you could compare them too though.

[AR29]

Thank you all for the kind words and feedback!!! I really appreciate your input.

I'll give those hybrid ones on Morph Market a look but I was leaning toward the male just being a regular old Dumerils as well, which is how the seller advertised him. To me, it really makes no difference either way, but for breeding purposes I would always just want to be as transparent as possible with any customers.

It's great to see so many others enjoy them as well. I was told by a friend they're like a combination of boa imperators and ball pythons and I think that's pretty on point. All the curiousness and outgoing nature of the boa and also just very calm and laid back so far in my experience. Really looking forward to watching them grow and progress.

[Bogertophis]

I'd bet it's just some naturally-occurring variation, but it can't hurt to look & compare with others. Either way your updates are most welcome "eye candy".

[GoingPostal]

Also from what I hear it's normal for males to be reduced in pattern compared to females, although I have no idea why that would be.

My male



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[GoingPostal]

Close ups of their heads would help btw. MGB have those big head and above eye scales compared to Dums.


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[Caitlin]

I only have one Dumeril's so am no expert. Your snakes are beautiful, and don't look like any of the Madagascar/Dumeril crosses I've seen. Their colors/patterns are very strong and look classically Dumeril's to my eye. Sexual dimorphism in head size and shape exists in several snake species - I just don't know if Dumeril's are on that list, but that could partially explain what you are seeing.