Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a male juvenile Boa constrictor I am long-term fostering (adopting as long as it doesn't get too big)from the local herp rescue. Does anyone put any stock in the locality subspecies key included in the new t.f.h. book? Every time I try to key the animal, it comes out as a true redtail Boa constrictor constrictor. Just the fact that it was a rescue would lead me to believe that it is a common Boa constrictor imperator, but the key indicates otherwise due to a lack of lateral projections from the center of the head to the eyes. Any thoughts?

Pics
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TnK

Keys can be good (although not perfect) if you are dealing with wild caught specimens. However, once they enter the captive populations, they can be inter-bred with other localities and the offspring they may present as one-or-the-other according to the key, but may in fact somewhat of a mutt (which isn't necessarily a bad thing, just something to be acknowledged). Post a pic or two and I am sure those more familiar with locality specifics can at least tell you what locality it resembles, although purity of locality will remain suspect.

And congratulations on your academic endeavors!

Mark
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uncommonboa.com

sorry...I mixed posts...forget the academic stuff, unless of course you are in school too, then "go get'em!" I mixed this post with the one from Jack bleow...too many glasses of wine...at least i don't have to drive home! lol

Merry Chirstmas all!
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uncommonboa.com