In Georgia, the eastern indigo snake prefers excessively drained, deep sandy soils along major streams, as well as xeric sandridge habitats. The orange-red pigment is more prominent in male Eastern Indigos and may extend onto the belly of some south Florida snakes. Stevenson, Dirk J., Karen J. Dyer, and Beth A. Willis-Stevenson. Habits: Indigo snakes are active strictly by day. Juvenile eastern indigo snakes eat mostly invertebrates. The carnivorous species derives its name from its iridescent underside. Home range size and movement may be influenced by Eastern Indigo Snake population densities, mating opportunities, prey abundance, and the distance traveled between winter refugia and seasonal foraging areas. They inhabit flatwoods, hammocks, dry glades, stream bottoms, cane fields, riparian thickets, and high ground with well-drained, sandy soils. Southeastern Naturalist 2(3):393-408. Account author: Andrew M. Grosse, University of Georgia – edited by J.D. Eastern indigos have largely been eliminated from North Florida due to habitat loss and fragmentation. They received their common name from the glossy iridescent ventral scales which can be seen as blackish-purple in bright light. Survey and Monitoring of the Eastern Indigo Snake in Georgia. Unfortunately, current and anticipated future habitat fragmentation probably will result in a large number of isolated, small groups of indigo snakes. The eastern indigo snake is classified federally as threatened and is protected. In Alabama, Eastern indigo snakes rely on open pine savannas managed with frequent, low-intensity fire. Even with continued habitat destruction and alterations, this species likely will persist in most localities where large, unfragmented pieces of natural habitat remain. Incubation period lasts around 3 months. An adult Eastern Indigo found in southern Georgia regurgitated a Pigmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius), a hatchling Gopher Tortoise, a Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus) and a Southern Toad (Bufo terrestris). Diet may include fish, frogs, toads, snakes, lizards, turtles, turtle eggs, small alligators, birds, and small mammals. In addition, the Eastern Indigo Snake is directly linked to another vulnerable species—the Gopher Tortoise. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing. It is the longest snake native to the United States, ranging in size from 60-84 inches (152-213 cm), and is entirely shiny bluish-black color, including the belly. Terms of Use However, Eastern Indigo populations no longer inhabit these states. Complementing our efforts to protect the Gopher Tortoise, we are directing our efforts toward the conservation of this small, mostly-aquatic species. In Georgia, Eastern indigo snakes prefer excessively drained, deep sandy soils along major streams, as well as xeric sandridge habitats. Your actions can have a real impact for the natural world we all rely on. Fragmented habitat patches probably cannot support a sufficient number of individuals to ensure viable populations. Stand up for our natural world with The Nature Conservancy. A wash of orange-red is often present on the chin, sides of the head and throat. Eastern Indigos are inactive for roughly two weeks when undergoing ecdysis. Home range size appears to fluctuate between South Georgia and north Florida and more southerly sites in central and south Florida, with snakes in southern Florida having smaller home ranges than those of their northern counterparts. U.S.FWS Species profile about species listing status, federal register publications, recovery, critical habitat, conservation planning, petitions, and life history U.S. They also suffer from "gassing" of tortoise burrows. Eastern Indigos often consume rattlesnakes and cottonmouths and can do so because they have a high degree of immunity to the venom of these species and suffer no lasting injury if they are bitten by them. These piles are often destroyed for cosmetic reasons but should be left intact because they provide important hiding cover for both the snake and its prey. They are robust predators that overpower their prey by using strong jaws while pinning their prey items to the ground with a body coil. Explore how we've evolved to tackle some of the world's greatest challenges. Article was last reviewed on 4th January 2019. Privacy Statement due primarily to habitat loss. From December to April, eastern indigo snakes prefer sandhill habitats; fro… produces annual clutches of 6–12 eggs, Indigos may travel up to three miles during warmer seasons in search of new habitat and prey. Indigo snake is a species of nonvenomous snake belonging to the colubrid family, found only in the eastern United States. Published on January 8th 2019 by staff under Snakes. 2003. Until relatively recently, all indigo snakes in the U.S. were considered to be the same species, D. corais. In winter, they den in gopher tortoise burrows, which are usually found in open pine forests with dense herbaceous understories. Eastern Indigo Snake on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_indigo_snake, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/63773/12714602. Share. In wetter habitats that lack gopher tortoises, eastern indigo snakes may take shelter in hollowed root channels, hollow logs, or the burrows of rodents, armadillo, or land crabs. It was first described in 1842 by American zoologist and herpetologist, John Edwards Holbrook. Eastern indigo snakes need a mosaic of habitats to complete their annual life cycle. Unlike many snakes, mature male indigo snakes are slightly larger than females. Eastern indigo snakes range from extreme southwestern South Carolina south through Florida and west to southern Alabama and southeastern Mississippi. Eastern Indigo Snake The species, being the longest native snake of the United States of America, has the ability to digest the venom of rattlesnakes. It is the longest native snake species in the U.S. Since its listing as a threatened species, habitat loss and fragmentation by residential and commercial expansion have become much more significant threats to the eastern indigo snake. The pressure from collectors has declined in response to effective law enforcement, but collecting still remains a concern. The historic range included southeastern Mississippi, southernmost Alabama and possibly southeastern South Carolina. In the cooler months, Eastern Indigos bask in the vicinity of those Gopher Tortoise burrows that they use as retreats. Eastern Indigo Snakes have one of the largest home ranges of any North American snake species. One Georgia specimen made a long-distance, interpopulation movement of 22 kilometers (14 miles). Although reported historically from extreme southern South Carolina, indigo snakes have not been confirmed in the state in recent years and the early records are questionable. Required fields are marked *. Eastern Indigo Snakes have a number of common names: Indigo, Blue Indigo Snake, Black Snake, Gopher Snake, Blue Gopher Snake and Blue Bull Snake. Because the cover requirements of these snakes change seasonally, they maintain corridors that link these different habitats. The Eastern indigo snake is a large, non-venomous snake native to the eastern United States. A non-venomous apex predator, it preys upon many species of animals including some venomous snakes, and it plays a critical role in keeping an ecosystem healthy and balanced. Python Patrol is fighting Florida’s Burmese python invasion, reducing the invasive snake’s threat to the Everglade’s endangered species. | The generic name of this snake, Drymarchon, roughly translates to “lord of the forest”. The species requires large expanses of natural habitat for both overwintering and foraging. Reintroducing the endangered indigo snake onto the Apalachicola Bluffs & Ravines Preserve. In north Florida, female home ranges vary between 20 and 280 ha. Southern Hognose Snakes: Conservation for data-deficient species, Understanding the Distribution of Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtles. Extensive tracts of wild land are the most important refuge to sustain a breeding population of eastern indigo snakes. Charitable Solicitation Disclosures The eastern indigo snake ’s genus name ‘ Drymarchon ’ means lords of the forest in Greek while the scientific name has been given after James Hamilton Couper, an American planter. while males have home ranges of approximately 185 ha. They often return every winter to the same burrow. Average Length: Males: 5.2 ft (1.58 m); Females: 4.5 ft (1.38 m). Given their preference for upland habitats, eastern indigo snakes are not commonly found in great numbers in the wetland complexes of the Everglades, though their range extends south to the Florida Keys.