Hybrid Tree Boas (C. hortulnaus x C. caninus)
Hybrid
treeboas can be described as nothing less than amazing. The
discerning eye can easily distinguish characteristics of both parents
of these animals but yet the overall effect is very unique. It
seems that hybrids posses both the onotogenetic color changing
capability of caninus with the polymorphism seen in hortulanus.
I've had the pleasure of keeping several individuals representing 2
distinct wild bloodlines and many differences as well as commonalities
have been observed. All of these animals I'vw worked with were
born from Emerald tree boa mothers and were presumably sired by Amazons
either in the wild or at export holding facilites. It seems that the
general overall appearance of these individuals is somewhat closer to
the Amazon parent in basic morphology with a longer and narrower body
than that found on caninus.
It should be noted however that there are disproportionate differences
in size amongst siblings with some remaining small and Amazon-like
while others were less commonly more similar to emeralds.As a biologist, I am not a fan of hybridization but one can't help but be fascinated by the incredible combination of characteristics exhibited by these crosses and the unique look to them. The fact that this could occur in the wild between these two sympatric species makes me a bit more tolerant of them and it doesn't hurt that we are talking about major eye candy here. I do not have plans to create hybrids within my collection however I would like to prove whether or not the first generation hybrids are fertile or simply spectacular mules so I look forward to working with these individuals.
