A beautiful subadult Boa Constrictor from the Miami population.
Yes, as with the pythons there are 3, but again only one is established. The established species is the Boa, or if you prefer, the Boa Constrictor. The population, in Miami, has been known for about 70 years but in no way can its presence be considered a threatening invasion by any but the most rabid conservationist. In its 70+ years, the population of these live-bearing snakes seems to have grown little if at all. BTW, the scientific name of this snake echos the common name, Boa constrictor, often with a subspecies tacked on. The range of the various subspecies of boas extends from northern Mexico to Argentina. Boas from the more northerly locales are smaller than those from the neotropics. In their homelands, depending on locale, most boas are adult at 5 to 9 feet in length but in the neotropics 12 footers have been recorded. The Boas in Miami are a mixture of 2, or possibly 3, neotropical subspecies. I am unaware of the maximum size of the Miami Boas but have seen several in the 4 to 6 foot range and an 8 foot long female was caught in early February. Like the pythons, boas can and will climb. The ground color is a yellowish to fawn with dark saddles. As it nears the tail the ground color becomes red and on the tail may be quite a bright red. It is, of course, from this that the name of Red-tailed Boa has been coined.

The other 2 boids of concern are both “Water boas,” Anacondas, the Yellow, Eunectes notaeus, and the Green, E. murinus. These 2 boa relatives turn up just often enough (primarily on the southern 2/3rds of peninsular FL) to make their status questionable. Like the Boa these bear living young that are well able to fend for themselves at birth. Adults are immense snakes that display notable sexual dimorphism with males being much the smaller gender. They are very much at home in aquatic situations and often seek prey near the shore. They are surprisingly agile when on land. Be smart and beware of large individuals, no matter where encountered.

Even at the best of times, Anacondas tend to be short-tempered. If you do see one, use care and common sense when approaching.

Male Yellow Anacondas are 5 to 8 feet. Females attain 11-13 feet. Neonates are about 20 inches in length. Green Anacondas are far larger and heavier than the Yellows. Male Greens are often 5 to 9 feet, while adult females attain 15 to 20 feet…and it’s all muscle! Neonates are 20-24 inches in length.

Florida. The land of the invasives!