Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Am I understanding that you can purchase a Texas indigo(if you can find one for sale) and not have to worry about the Federal permit?

Can they be very black like an Eastern?

Do they tend to be nice animals like Easterns?

Thanks, Sorry for what may be a tired question.
Bob.

Bob,

No federal permits are required to keep, sell or ship D. m erebennus. The only permit required would be a resident of Texas wishing to keep one within their native state, as the species is protected by the state of Texas only...

Best regards,

Jeff

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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

Yes, they can be very black like Eastern Indigos and exceptional specimens can be very red as well! They harbor excellent temperaments for the most part, but there are a few which can be a bit defensive, but one cannot base tempermant on the species of genus as a whole. As an example, many folks believe yellow-tail Cribos are overly defensive, but I have several that are as docile as any of my Eastern Indigos. They say a photo is worth a thousand words, so i will allow following photo do the speaking, as for the temperamnet of Texans, you can base your opinion on teh former photo I posted...

Best regards,

Jeff

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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

np

Of the seven adult Texas indigos I've known over the past few years all were less relaxed than any Easterns. Two of three males, in particular, became defensive when approached. All except one quickly calmed down when being handled.

Having worked with several dozens of both D. couperi and D.m erebennus,in both the field and captivity, over the past 30 years and currently having 5.6 within my collection, I feel confident saying the behavior Steve has described is the exception, not the norm.
Actually, one of the most defensive displays I have ever witnessed by a Drymarchon spp.was that of a large male D. couperiI happened upon in South dade Co. many years ago. Also, I am aware of Zoo Atlanta once having a large male D. couperi, which was maintained within a large, walk-in enclosure complete with gopher tortoise burrows and gopher tortoises. Apparently, most keepers dreaded entering the enclosure, as the Indigo would literally shoot out of one of the enclosure's burrows and chase anyone entering the enclosure...

Best regards,

Jeff

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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

Yes, there is alot of variation in the Texas Indigos... this particular female pictured is VERY dark for a Texas and even has a red ventral towards first 1/4 of the snake!