


How much space do Eastern indigo snakes need?Īll snakes need an enclosure that allows them enough space to stretch out, thermoregulate, and move around as desired. With good care, Eastern indigo snakes are capable of living up to 27 years. Bear in mind that indigo snakes require much more maintenance than other snakes, so only consider this pet if you have the time and resources to keep up with their needs. However, their care is similar to a less-restricted species, the Texas indigo, Drymarchon melanurus erebennus. They are most commonly an iridescent black color all over their body, including the belly, but some have orange-red on the chin and throat.Įastern indigos are not common pets, as they are a federally protected species with strict exportation laws between states, and typically require a permit to keep.

This species has a fairly typical colubrid build, with a robust body, oval head, smooth scales, and ridged “eyebrow”-like scales above dark eyes. These snakes are terrestrial and generally prefer wetland areas for habitat, but they have adapted to live in a variety of other habitats, including prairie, coastal dunes, flatwoods, and scrub.Įastern indigo snakes are capable of growing up to 8.6’ long, but they are more typically between 5-7’ long, with males being significantly larger than females. Eastern indigo snakes ( Drymarchon couperi ) are the largest snakes native to the United States, specifically present in the states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.
