![]() The species was described by John Edwards Holbrook in 1842 and before the early ’90s, the eastern indigo snake had been thought monotypic with 12 known subspecies. Diet The eastern indigo has other common names including the most usual blue indigo snake but also blue gopher snake, black snake, blue bull snake or even simply indigo snake. The species-specific title derives from the Latinization of the American planter James Hamilton Couper (1794-1866) surname. The species generic title, Drymarchon is composed of the Greek words”drymos”, meaning”forest”, and archon meaning”lord” and contrasts to”god of the woods”. The sides of the head, throat, and chin are usually red or orange-brown in colour, and while juveniles are extremely much like adults their minds are a lot redder. The eastern indigo snake is more sexually dimorphic, however in this case, males grow larger than females with average dimensions of 5 feet for men and 4.5 feet for mature females. When cornered or threatened the eastern indigo snake flattens the headand vibrates the tail, producing a rattling sound seeking to mimic venomous rattlesnakes. Substantial specimens over 8.5 ft (2.6 m), can weigh up to 11 lb (5 kg) although even though indigo snakes are big some exceptionally massive specimens of this co-occurring and highly venomous eastern diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus) can outweigh them. They are the longest non-venomous snake native to the United States, ranging in size from 60 to 84 inches (152-213 cm), together with the highest recorded specimen measuring 9.2 feet (2.8 m), closely followed by the black rat snake(Pantherophis obsoletus). But keep your eyes peeled on tour! There’s a good chance you’ll see one on your next airboat tour of the Everglades.They inhabit a variety of ecosystems such as dry glades, xeric sand ridges, stream bottoms, flatwoods, hammocks, cane areas, riparian thickets, and higher floor with drained sandy soils.Įastern indigo snakes have been big smooth-scaled and shiny bluish-black colored snakes, for example, their stomach. You May See an Eastern Indigo Snake on an Everglades Airboat Tour in Fort LauderdaleĪlthough as a protected species, the chances of seeing an Indigo are slimmer than an Alligator. The Best Place to see an Eastern Indigo Snake Is the EvergladesĪlthough the Indigo snake is now listed as a threatened species because of the dramatic decline in population – due to over-collecting by domestic and international pet trade – it can still be found in the Everglades! Preservations of these habitats is the best assurance of survival for the indigo snake. It has been observed that the Indigo snake appears to be immune to the poison of venomous snakes. The indigo snake has a diet of lizards, tortoises, mammals, frogs, birds, and other venomous snakes. The eastern indigo snake overpowers its often larger prey with muscular jaws, consuming them headfirst. Eastern Indigo Snakes Eat Other Venomous Snakes ![]() While their size can be impressive, they are most often between 5-6 ft. ![]() ![]() The females can reach up to 6.5 ft long and males up to 8.5 ft. Identified by its beautiful blue-black sheen, this species is now native to peninsular Florida and southeast Georgia. Not that most necessarily want to handle a snake… The Eastern Indigo Snake Is the Longest Snake in North America The indigo snake is considered harmless but is a protected species you can not handle without a permit. ![]() But they do bite prey, enemies, and occasionally males will fight each other in aggressive situations. Eastern Indigo Snakes rarely bite humans. Let’s just get this out of the way – no, they are not venomous. This includes our protected species, such as the Eastern Indigo Snake. We have some of the most interesting creatures in the United States thanks to our Everglades, and we’re responsible for protecting and bringing awareness about them to others. Florida is full of beautiful, marshy landscapes and the creatures that inhabit the land, sea, and sky. ![]()
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