"True Red Tail" Boas

Red tail Boa, is a name that has mistakenly been applied the common Boa Constrictor or Boa Constrictor Imperator (BCI). A "True Red Tail" is actually a Boa Constrictor Constrictor, or BCC. The BCC class or sub-species of the Boa Constrictors geographic range is just South America. This subspecies includes, Surinames, Guyana, Brazilian, North Brazilian & others.

The True Red Tails tend to get a bit bigger than the more common BCI. In most cases, they are also more sought after by some enthusiast as well. The mutations, and color/pattern morphs are not as common in the BCC. You will find an Occasional Albino, or Hypomelanistic BCC, but they are usually mixed with BCI some where along the line.

The pet trade is most responsible for labeling most Boa species as "Red Tail Boas". Serious hobbyist and breeders know better, the True Red Tails are more rare,maybe because their a lot harder to breed then their more common cousin.

True Red Tail Boa Constrictors are more of an "exclusive" sub species. They are more rare, and carry the belief that they are the most pure blooded. They are harder to breed so they are not over saturating the exotic pet trade either. One thing is for sure, no one can deny they're unique beauty. An untrained eye may say they all look the same, but when you start to love Boa's, truly love them, it's easy to pick a true Red Tail out of a pile of Boa Constrictors.


Check back often, in my next few posts we'll discuss Boa Constrictor Imperator in more detail...