EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE

Drymarchon couperi

Eastern indigos snakes are native to southwest Florida, including islands like Sanibel and Captiva. This species is commonly mistaken for other snakes, but what helps these snakes stand out is that their body coloration is a shiny or iridescent black or bluish with red or cream markings around their nose and chin. Eastern indigos are also significantly longer than other American species and can reach anywhere from five to seven feet long with some even reaching up to nine feet long. Unlike other popular snakes that are classified as constrictors (snakes that wrap around and squeeze their prey) or venomous (bite their prey and inject venom into them), eastern indigos are considered thrashers and will chase down their prey and once they catch them they will whip their head back and forth with their food in their mouth (similar to how puppies play with new toys). 

OUR CURRENT RESIDENT

Montoya, Male- Hatched on July 30, 2014

Montoya came to ZooMontana in October of 2024 from the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, North Carolina. Montoya is located inside and is often on the ground in his habitat and can also be found swimming in his pool.

TAXONOMY

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Family: Colubridae
• Genus: Drymachon
• Species: Drymarchon couperi

ANIMAL FACTS

Carnivore: mainly eat small mammals, birds, and fish (and eat infrequently)

Population Status: currently listed as Least Concern

Habitat: freshwater marshes, dry prairie, scrubby flatwoods

Activity: diurnal- mainly active during the day