Bimini Boas are from the island of Bimini off the Atlantic coast of Florida. They, Cuban Boas, Haitian Boas, Jamaican Boas, and Puerto Rican Boas are island species in the Epicrates group, the same genus as the Rainbow Boas. Like all Epicrates, the island forms are highly iridescent, with larger scales than the Boa constrictor species. Some, like Haitians, have a reputation for being difficult captives, nippy and fussy as to food preferences, but the Biminis are mostly gentle and do well as captives. Newborn island boas are notorious for feeding only on Anole lizards, but will eventually learn to take baby mice, then rats as they grow. I have raised many species of snakes, and have gotten them switched to rodents eventually, so it can be done, but it's nerve-wracking and maybe not for beginners. Still, a collector will remain a beginner until they do things like that, so it's a plunge that must be taken for a person to grow in this hobby.
My Bimini has taken rodents since I got her, but the breeder had gotten her on that diet before she arrived. She now eats large rats. I think island boas are underappreciated--they have some of the best iridescence anywhere, their large, soft scales feel nice to the touch, and while not as lavishly colored as the Bcc and Bci, they are sweet, neat animals.
