Albino (VPI) Boa Constrictors

There are several distinct albino lines in the boa constrictor, and Albino (VPI) is one of them. Each is kept separately. This line traces to Vida Preciosa International (VPI), which is the Texas breeding operation run by Dave and Tracy Barker. It has never been shown to pair with the other US tyrosinase-positive albino lines to produce a double-gene combo. Keepers buy it because of how much colour it keeps compared with a true tyrosinase-negative albino: the black turns purple-grey instead of disappearing.

Appearance

The VPI Albino features a background of pale caramel. Rather than being removed completely, the black pattern becomes a medium purple-grey. This morph retains more colour than the other main US albino lines. While the saddle markings lighten, they stay visible against the ground colour. Some individuals carry a pink wash along the body and the sides of the face, and those are known as pink panthers.

Genetics

Because Albino (VPI) is recessive, it only shows in an animal with two copies. Any other combination looks like a normal boa constrictor. You can list a visual as Albino (VPI), a proven carrier as Het Albino (VPI), and a possible carrier as 66% Het Albino (VPI), 50% Het Albino (VPI) or Pos Het Albino (VPI). No allelic partner is known for it: unlike the Boa Woman Caramel and Sharp lines, which pair with each other, VPI crossed to another albino line has so far given only carriers and no visual. It has been combined with Hypo, Jungle and Anerythristic (Type 1) in named combinations including VPI Albino Sunglow, VPI Albino Junglow, VPI Albino Snow and Tanglow.

Known issues

Like other albinos, a VPI Albino has little pigment in the iris to filter light, so its eyes are sensitive to bright light.