Clarification: BCI vs. Red-Tail Boa

[Wrath]

Am I just a ******? Are these two different types of snake or are red tails also BCIs?

I am planning way in advance which one I may want to prepare for as my next herp. If these are different, what are the main differences in their care requirements? I am thinking housing, heating, humidity, feeding, etc....

Thanks in advance to all you brilliant herpers!

[Yve]

Believe me I was confused when I first started reading about these guys too. There's many different sub species that are similar but have some variation. The more pics you see the easier it becomes to identify them.

true red tails belong to the subspecies BCC (boa constrictor constrictor) coming from countries such as;Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, Peru, Trinidad, Venuzuela
BCI (boa constrictor imperator)aka common boa constrictor is a seperate subspecies, which can have a red tail but not as vivid as that of a BCC and are often sold as red tails. They are found in the following countries;Belize, Mexico, Columbia, Ecuador,
El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua

BCI-more docile
-smaller
-hardier
BCC-still quite docile, a bit nippy as neonates
-can reach lengths of 9-12ft
-more troubles with regurgitation
-more colourful
IMO I don't think the BCC is really that much more difficult to care for, its similar husbandry to BCI you just have to follow recommended feeding regimen (not too much, not too big) and proper temps. to avoid regurg. I also have a BCC and he is very docile.
Hope that helped clear things up for you!:)

[Linds]

Yve is correct, although BCI covers colombian (common) boas (often called colombian redtails) which attain average lengths of 6'-8', it also covers boas such as hog isle and nicaraguan boas which attain smaller lengths of 4'-6'. BCC and BCI are very similar in husbandry requirements as well. Although <u>generally</u> speaking BCC may need larger enclosures, but some colombians (BCI) get just a sizeable as BCC. And some colombians get be just as colourful as true redtails, though this isnt usually the case.

[rattekonigin]

Just for reference (this might help you out too Wrath), what's the average adult weight of BCIs vs. BCCs?

[Linds]

That all depends since BCI covers so many types. An adult hog may top out at 8 lbs while a female colombian might weigh 30 or more. They are both BCI. Generally speaking, these snakes (BCC and BCI) all generally have the same build... so a 5 foot snake might weigh 6 lbs, a 7 foot snake may weigh 25 lbs, and a 9 foot snake might weigh 40 lbs. But generall speaking a BCC will be bigger than BCI, therefore they may be heavier, but with any rules there are always exceptions.

[Darren Hamill]

Looks like Linds and Yve beat me to it!

Yve has some very good information regarding the differences between BCC and BCI. Great post Yve!

And as usual Linds has done a very good job of covering the subject as well. :0)

Looks like I'll have to be faster on the draw!! :D

Thanks,
Darren Hamill (Boa Freak!)
http://www.hamillreptiles.com

[Wrath]

Thanks to Linds and Yve all for your information! Darren, you are too slow, but you get an "E" for effort! :)

I don't know about half the stuff that you guys talk about on these forums, but I am trying to get up to par! To most of the people I've talked to in person, a boa is a boa is a boa....

:cool: