Here is the nuts and bolts of what seems confusing to the general public. *There is NOT a classification of boa constrictors called RED TAIL BOAS. *That is ONLY a trade name.
The Two Primary Classifications are
Boa Constrictor Imperator BCI
Boa Constrictor Constrictor BCC
These two classifications are split based on a mountain region. The general consensus is that the "True" redtails are considered BCC, but the herp trade refers to all BCC and BCI as all redtails.
The nutshell?? Red Tail only refers to an amount of coloration on the tail. Nothing to do with the actual species.
Here are some details on the specification of the BCI vs BCC.
These two classifications are split based on the Andes mountain region. BCI's are west of the Andes and the BCC are east of the Andes. Also these classifications are different based on scientific study and documentation.
For example:
BCI's have 253 ventral scales (or less) and a midbody scale count of 55-79. 21 or more dorsal blotches (saddles). Adult boas reach an average of 7 to 8 feet. 10 feet being very unusual. General maximum weight 30 pounds.
BCC's have 234 to 250 ventral scales and a midbody scale count of 89-95. Less than 20 dorsal blotches. Adult boas may reach 12 to 14 feet. General maximum weight 60 puunds.
This may help quite a bit.
For example Colombian boas are indeed BCI. That does not mean that BCC boas cannot be found in parts of Colombia. They are just different.
There are some in the trade that believe Colombians are in fact BCC, and still consider them BCC to this day. Arguments can be made for both sides of the fence.
The majority still consider Colombians to be BCI.
The Two Primary Classifications are
Boa Constrictor Imperator BCI
Boa Constrictor Constrictor BCC
These two classifications are split based on a mountain region. The general consensus is that the "True" redtails are considered BCC, but the herp trade refers to all BCC and BCI as all redtails.
The nutshell?? Red Tail only refers to an amount of coloration on the tail. Nothing to do with the actual species.
Here are some details on the specification of the BCI vs BCC.
These two classifications are split based on the Andes mountain region. BCI's are west of the Andes and the BCC are east of the Andes. Also these classifications are different based on scientific study and documentation.
For example:
BCI's have 253 ventral scales (or less) and a midbody scale count of 55-79. 21 or more dorsal blotches (saddles). Adult boas reach an average of 7 to 8 feet. 10 feet being very unusual. General maximum weight 30 pounds.
BCC's have 234 to 250 ventral scales and a midbody scale count of 89-95. Less than 20 dorsal blotches. Adult boas may reach 12 to 14 feet. General maximum weight 60 puunds.
This may help quite a bit.
For example Colombian boas are indeed BCI. That does not mean that BCC boas cannot be found in parts of Colombia. They are just different.
There are some in the trade that believe Colombians are in fact BCC, and still consider them BCC to this day. Arguments can be made for both sides of the fence.
The majority still consider Colombians to be BCI.
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