Tarahumara boa

[Eryaw]

My wife and I saw one of these yesterday at the local reptile show. What can you guys tell me about them? My wife wants a Dumeril next but after that I was looking at a Nicaraguan boa, but this Tarahumara was beautiful and different.

[Mikoh4792]

Smallest subspecies of the boa constrictors. From Mexico, and usually identified by distinct markings on it's head.

As with most "subspecies" and "locales", you can't know if it's a pure tarahumara unless you know who bred it, who the parents were...etc. Some type of lineage is required to really call it a "tarahumara".

I'd check out the book "The Complete Boa Constrictor" by Vin Russo.

[Tsubaki]

Real tarahumara's are very nice, i have been looking for a couple with a known lineage but it's quite difficult around here as well. They do however have very distinct tells.

Edit: found a good informative page on how to spot 'fake' tarahumarans. Tarahumara Boa Fake Check (http://www.boa-constrictors.com/en/Tarahumara_Boa_constrictor_imperator_Mexico_fake_c heck)

[Mad Max]

Females can breed at just over 3 feet long.

They're found in the Sierra Tarahumara region of the Sonoran Desert in Mexico.

True Tarahumaras are rare in captivity.

They can tolerate cooler temperatures and lower humidity than most BCI's.

[pet_snake_78]

I would definitely verify the lineage as best you can. If you're not sure, maybe buy from Vin Russo or Legacy reptiles instead.