Hypomelanistic Boa Morph
Hypomelanistic (Hypo) Boa, is one of the oldest morphs found in Boa imperator. This morph was first identified in 1991 by renowned boa breeder Rich Ihle, who acquired a specimen from Panama exhibiting reduced black pigmentation along with a reduction in saddles. These two traits consistently appear together, suggesting a genetic combination. Initially, these snakes were referred to as “Orange-Tailed Boas.”
Through selective breeding, two dominant lines emerged. The Gee line, named after Jeff Gee, retained the original orange tail with minimal black pigmentation and remained smaller due to exclusive Panamanian genetics. In contrast, the Salmon line, developed by Rich Ihle and also originally had Panamanian genes, exhibited a pinker hue because it was crossed with Colombian boas, resulting in slightly larger offspring despite their shared ancestry. Many of the morphs where hypo have been included include the Colombian boas and thus are technically Salmon strain.
Although Hypo boas have been bred with various normal boas, leading to diverse genetic variations, they remain genetically compatible. Over time, additional hypo specimens have been introduced, though none have been distinct enough to warrant a separate classification. The frequent crossing of Hypo boas with other morphs has complicated the identification of pure or even 50% pure bloodlines. Very few pure Gee line and pure Salmon boas exist as they have been watered down again over time.
Identifying Hypo Boas
Hypo boas are best recognized by their reduced black pigmentation around the tail markings and a decrease in saddle count. However, identifying them becomes more challenging when mixed with other morphs that influence pattern and coloration.
Hypo is an incomplete dominant gene. When bred to a wild-type boa, approximately 50% of the offspring will exhibit hypomelanism, while the remaining 50% will appear normal and will not carry the trait. Unlike some other genetic traits, there is no “het” form of Hypo.
The super form of Hypo, known simply as Super Hypo, is the homozygous expression of the gene. Breeding a Super Hypo to a wild-type boa results in all offspring displaying hypomelanism. Super Hypo boas exhibit even less pattern and lighter coloration, particularly around the tail. In morph combinations like Sunglow, Super Hypo boas display increased white contrast around red markings. To ensure offspring are Super Hypo, both parent boas must be proven Super Hypos. Breeding two Hypo boas together results in approximately 25% normal offspring, 50% Hypo, and 25% Super Hypo.
Morph Combinations
When Hypo is added to many morphs they get a new name which is unusual although some will retain the name as just a combination of the morphs involved. Some are listed below.
Hypo boas contribute significantly to various designer morphs:
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Sunglow (T+ and T- Albino Hypo): When combined with albino genes (both T+ and T- forms, including Kahl, Sharp, VPI, BWC, and Nicaraguan albino), Hypo enhances the albino morph by reducing black pigmentation, thereby preserving pattern visibility longer. When added to VPI T+ and anerythistic then they are called Snowglows
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Ghost and Super Ghost: When combined with the Anerythristic gene, Hypo produces pale-colored Ghost boas, with the Super Ghost being even lighter. These serve as foundational morphs for Moonglow (Hypo. T- Albino and Anerythistic) boas.
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Hypo Motley: This combination reduces patterning and often results in an extended tail stripe with a lighter overall coloration. Hypo Jungle: Produces a very clean and visually striking boa with a reduced zig-zag pattern.
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Hypo Leopard: Results in a distinctive, highly contrasted red snake with darker markings.
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Salmontine and Super Salmontine: The Salmon gene was also introduced into the typically dark Argentine boas, producing Salmontine boas. Today, Argentine boas recognized as a species cross (hybrid) rather than a simple subspecies intergrade.
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Hogg Island Hypo (Sunset Boa): Unfortunately, Hypo has also been bred into Hogg Island boas, making pure Hogg Island specimens increasingly difficult to find. The super form of this combination is known as the Sunset Boa.
This morph remains a significant foundation for many modern designer boas, with its versatility allowing for a wide range of stunning colour and pattern variations.
Here are some images of Hypo/Salmon with various combinations
