Scale Counts

[spix14]

So, I just did a scale count on my freshly shed (finally) baby, and here's what I ended up with-249 ventral scales, 50 subcaudal scales, 88 midbody scale rows, and 19 saddles. According to Vin Russo's book that kind of mid body count, along with the saddles, is more in line with a BCC. He has more midbody scales and less saddles than a typical BCI is supposed to. So what does that mean? Just to look at him it's obvious that he is a BCI, but does this mean that he could be a "mutt" so to say? Not that I'd love him any less, but that sure would nip any future breeding plans in the bud.
Here's the guy in question. It's not the greatest pic, he looks really drab, but you get the idea.

	Boa Constrictor Constrictor Red Tail Boa Constrictor (Boa constictor constrictor). Refers to "true" red tail boas such as the Guyana and Suriname locales.

	Boa Constrictor Imperator Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator). Most common is the Colombian Boa.

[danktat]

There can be wide overlap in the scale counts. Saddle counts are also not as accurate as you would think. Talking to Rob Tudehope, there are JV line Suriname BCC that have 26 saddles [s-v]! Apparently that line is known for high saddle count. There has also been so many breedings between subspecies that it is quite possible that there is some mixing in that boa's past.

	Boa Constrictor Constrictor Red Tail Boa Constrictor (Boa constictor constrictor). Refers to "true" red tail boas such as the Guyana and Suriname locales.

[mpgt]

It sounds like it could be a mix. Pretty snake. Can you post some more pics?

[spix14]

Ask and you shall receive...



Pardon the mud on the carpet, lol...I haven't vaccumed yet.



FYI the dates are wrong...stupid electronic thingys.

[mpgt]

Wow, thanks. That's a great looking snake.

[RevMojo]

Nice snake.