Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was emptying photos out of my digital camera and came across these shots that I thought some of you might like to see.
This indigo was found while hiking through some Central FL sandhills habitat with a friend last winter. This guy seemed to be completely black but my friend has seen red chins at this same location. I actually saw this snake before it noticed us. It was moving around the rocks and seemed to be foraging for food. Even after noticing us, it didn't seem to feel threatened at all as we photographed it. I also included a habitat shot. It was seen near the green grass in the lower left hand corner.

Chris

Nice. I will be in an area known for them tomorrow--looking for skinks --so maybe I'll run across one... Wish me luck.
I have sat down to watch one in the past and had it crawl right up to me. Now that's cool! Nowadays I'm always carrying a camera and hope to have that happen again.
I can wish.
:Mark

Good luck! I think you'd have to get out pretty early with the heat we've had lately. You were with Lindsay and Gerry when they saw that skinny red chin sub adult a few years ago, right? This one was found not far from there. It's nice to know that there seems to be a healthy population there and that habitat isn't going anywhere.
Chris

I recognize the spot in the pic. Yeah, Gerry and I spotted that one a couple years back. Had the most red down the belly I have seen.
Had to put off the trip. Maybe later....
:Mark

Wow that's a great shot. To me the reminder that you can still occasionally see an Indigo in the wild is a big inspiration.
I've never had the joy of running across an Indigo but I used to love finding Bull snakes and Yellow Bellied Racers in Southern Oregon. I used to find Blue Tailed Skinks there also.
Thanks for sharing the picture!

John

Thanks John. that was actually my first and only indigo I've seen to date and I herp suitable habitat pretty regularly. Prior to that I had only found an indigo shed and I saw a large black snake go down a gopher tortoise hole from a distance. (99% sure it was a couperi but it could have been a large racer).

Seeing one was definitely one of the most exciting field herping experiences I've ever had.
Chris