Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I would like information on where a person can purchase an Indigo snake and about how much a person could expect to pay? Looking for the red phase.

Also, what is a "cribo"?

thanks

Go to www.indigosnakes.com and look under the breeder's list. By "red phase", I assume you mean you are looking for a red-chinned Eastern Indigo. It was a tough year for Eastern Indigos this year, many breeders were unable to produce any offspring at all. I did see an ad in the Kingsnake.com classifieds the other day under "colubrids" for '03 Easterns.

You also need to be aware of the Federal permit requirements for purchasing an Eastern Indigo across state lines. Some states may also require a permit or simply may not allow it at all. No permit is required for Texas Indigos (except for the State of Texas)or Cribos.

Cribos are the southern subspecies of Indigos. In the United States, there are two subspecies, Drymarchon corais couperi (Eastern Indigo) and Drymarchon corais erebennus (Texas Indigo). In Mexico, Central America and South America there are several subspecies that are known as Cribos:

Drymarchon corais corais Yellow Tail Cribo
Drymarchon corais rubidus Mexican Red Tail Cribo
Drymarchon corais melanurus Black Tail Cribo
Drymarchon corais unicolor Unicolor Cribo
Drymarchon corais orizabensis No common name
Drymarchon corais magaritae Margarita Island Cribo
Drymarchon corais caudomaculata Newly discovered ssp.

None except Black Tail Cribos are really commonly available in the pet trade. Mexican Red Tail Cribos are very rarely available. Yellow Tails have been more easily available this year than I've ever seen, but prices are still somewhat high (avg $375.00 for a baby). Unicolors are available from time to time. Eastern Indigos are sporadically available, prices average around $600.00 to $750.00 for a baby. Texas Indigos are available it seems somewhat less frequently, but prices are a little lower than Easterns (around $375.00 avg for a baby). I have never seen orizabensis, margaritae, or caudomaculata available to purchase.