Got my first BCI and was surprised he has iridescent scales. Don’t recall ever noticing or running across that trait. His pattern was a bit different than I typically see, however I’m by no means an expert. Not sure if this is common knowledge and I’m about to get torched—or something else. Thank you!
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No worries! We are all here to learn.
So iridescence isn’t actually a trait in snakes rather than it is physics and light refraction in the structure of their scales. Think about butterfly wings that are iridescent for example… and you are seeing it in your BCI because its showing up much more vividly in the darker scales on the saddle.
I have a 16 year old BCC that has gorgeous blue iridescence in certain lighting
It can show up really well in Boas with IMG too since they are the darkest.
Another really cool example of iridescence in snakes are Sunbeam snakes! 
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My CA’s looked incandescent in the sunlight. And of course BRB’s are known for their incandescence, hence the word “Rainbow”… in their names……
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Welcome to MM and congratulations on your new boa. Everyone here is always ready to help when they can. No questions are off limits as we all were new to this at one time.
Post some full body pictures of you new boa.
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Beautiful boa and welcome to the family! Natural iridescence is amazing in the darker parts of the saddles in boas.
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I think irridescence is the most beatiful thing when it comes to reptile skin. I have noticed it with every species I’ve seen, so far. I have white lipped pythons and they are absolutely electric in the right light. Even an old hand can be surprised by it though. This is a north pacific rattlesnake. Monitor lizards have it as well but it’s much more noticeable on a shed skin than on the animal.
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Totally normal! Boas can have some really beautiful iridescence, usually on their dark saddles. I have an IMG (melanistic) boa, so she has a lot more black than your average boa, and she’s incredibly iridescent.
And it’s not just boas! As mentioned, lots of reptiles exhibit some really stunning iridescence.
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