Is this arabesque?

[KirosReptiles]

Hello to everyone :)

I'm new to this forum. My name's Lee, I live in England, and have kept reptiles (mostly Boids) for eleven years. Reptiles are what I do full time, and I'm currently working for a degree in Zoology.

Out of all reptiles, I like Boa constrictors the most - I just love em!   8)   I also keep Jungle Carpets, Balls, Retics, and Colubrids.

I have this unusual male BCI, and it's been suggested to me by a US breeder that he's arabesque.  There are virtually no lateral blotches, and the pale brown dorsal saddles are slim, and conjoined with a brown stripe, which itself contains a lighter coloured stripe.

These stripes are unbroken all the way down, until the tail blotches.

His ventral surface is heavily speckled in black, and the underside of the tail has large solid black blotches.
http://www.kirosreptiles.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/imperator.jpg
I really don't know, as morphs aren't really that popular here - most folk are more interested in localities. What do you all think?

Lee

[Linda]

I really don't think I'd know an Arabesque if I saw one. I do know there's a page on Kingsnake.com that has all the boa morphs. The link for the Arabesque is http://www.kingsnake.com/boamorphs/arabesque.htm . I guess you could go there and decide for yourself if you think yours in one. I really can't say one way or the other. I do think you have a very nice looking snake though.
                      Linda :D

[redtailboas]

That is a screamer boa, and I love the washed out sides, but I do not believe it is an Arabesque.  Here is an arabesque boa from Pete Kahl Reptiles.  They are known for connected ladderback patterns and a golden coloring.

http://www.redtailboas.com/morphs/arabesque.jpg
http://www.pkreptiles.com

[KirosReptiles]

Thanks for the reply :)

I must admit I'm a bit confused now!  My boa has the same ladder back pattern (except the tail), the same "light stripe in a dark stripe" effect from neck to 1st tail blotch, a golden/creamy yellow colour on the dorsum etc etc...

So if  he's not arabesque - what the devil is he?  :-/

Unfortunately the piccie is a bad one (under exposed and dark) but he is to my eyes (having seen the snake in person of course LOL) virtually identical to the Kahl one apart from the fact mine has less speckling, and less black on the tail.

He's also actually bright steel silver coloured btw - he's dulled up ready for pre-shed in the photo. I'll do my best to get a good clean shot of him now he's sloughed.

I'm not arguing the case, please don't misunderstand. Just trying to learn more of these morphs :) Wish you could see him for real - would be easier LOL

So what "morph" if any could he be?  He certainly doesn't look 'normal' to me, and none of my colleagues have seen a boa like this before.  

Curiouser and curiouser  cwm4.gif

Lee :)

[boafanatic]

I'm definately no expert,but it kinda looks like you got yourself a circle-back there. If you don't get anymore replies soon you can always e-mail Jeff or someone to find out!
Good Luck- You got yourself a beauty! :D

[justsnakes]

Looks like you have your self a nice circle-back there. There is NOTHING wrong with circle-back boas, they are very cool in their own right.

In the photo of the arabesque Clay posted you can see that the animal has thinner saddles that are connected well past the base of the tail. Also the saddles on this arabesque are more stretched out. There is a lot of black speckling over the animals body as well.

I think the snake you have is a very lovely animal and if I where you, I would be very proud to have her and I am sure you are :)

[justsnakes]

Oops, my bad, I ment to say him not her ;D Nonetheless, HE is a nice looking boa! :)