new to boas and need answers

[armyguy_71459]

cwm13.gif  im new to boas, so new in fact that i havent bought one yet.  im trying to do as much research as possible first(not new to reptiles, just boas)  what does BCI and BCC mean?  any help would be appreciated  this is just the first of what will be many questions im sure cwm15.gif
 thanks, greg ::) ::) ::) ::)

[Dennis_Gulla]

BCI stands for Boa Constrictor Imperator, common members of this group include Mexican Boas, Central American Boas, Hog Island Boas and Colombian Boas.

BCC stands for Boa Constrictor Constrictor (true redtails) common members of this group include Surinam Redtails, Guyanan Redtails, Peruvian Redtails, Brazilian Redatils etc....

Hope this helps!
Dennis

[Sojourn]

Hey there Greg...

BCI's(Boa constrictor imperator) and BCC's (Boa constrictor constrictor) are two of the 6 subspecies generally recognized by all herpetologists, and are separated from each other by the Andes mountains. Those found west of the Andes are BCI's(also known as common boas). Those found east of the Andes are BCC's, and are what many people in the boa industry call "true redtails". cwm15.gif

A couple of major differences between BCI's and BCC's without getting TOO scientific are that BCI's reach lengths between 6-8 feet and BCC's can reach up to 12 or more feet. Also, BCC's have the really "true" red tails ranging from brick red to crimson. BCI's tails generally are not so vibrant, although there are always exceptions.(I think ???)

A REALLY good book for anyone new to boas is "The Boa Constrictor Manual" written by Philippe de Vosjoli, with help from Roger Klingenberg, DVM and Jeff Ronne.

I hope this helps some and good luck ;D!!!

...Jesse