Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

Happy holidays. I'm thinking of adding a "giant" colubrid species to the collection during the coming year, branching out from Indo-Australian pythons, as well as the standard colubrid fare I kept as a kid in the '90s.

Like most snake keepers, I've long admired the Eastern indigo. But I'm also intrigued by D. m. rubidus. Could any of you Dry folks who have kept or currently keep both taxa share your experiences?

I've heard rubidus described as a hardier version of the Eastern, but I'd be much obliged for an elaboration of that description. How do they compare as far as husbandry requirements and especially temperament? I know that rubidus are relatively fresh on the herpetocultural scene, but any insights would be welcome.

Of course, if I discover that mussurana are legal to keep in Illinois, this decision will get that much harder...

Cheers,

David

Hello David,

Ahhh..the Mexican Red-tail Indigo snake (Drymarchon melenurus rubidus).

Up until last year, the Eastern Indigo snake was my favorite of the Drymarchon species until I had the opportunity to buy a lone male rubidus, now presently at my friend Alan's on breeding loan. I have to honestly say I find these snakes to be the most impressive Drymarchon.

The Mexican rubidus have a few different color phases (black, mottled, pinkish-red). They seem to be larger than Eastern's as adults, attaining a length of a husky 10' feet! The few breeder's working with these snakes have been very careful to avoid inbreeding. No dwarfism, kinks, enlarged scales, or other birth defects have yet been reported in North American (rubidus) collections.

Babies feed and/or switch to feeding on rodents much easier than other Drymarchon I have kept. Sale of offspring does NOT require a permit, which is a huge plus.

Love the Eastern Indigo snake, but really like the Mexican Red tail Indigo just a bit better.

Truly,

Paul Bodnar
Crocodile Wildlife Conservationist

Truly

Many thanks for the reply, Paul. Your male is the one with the rosy-hue toward his tail, right? I've seen him pictured on indigosforever.com, too, I think. Magnificent animal.

In your experience, how do the rubidus compare to other Drymarchon--Easterns included--behaviorally? Typical cribo temperament?

All the best,

David

Hi David,

I imagine individuals can vary in temperament but the Mexican Red tail Indigo's I have encountered seem to be tame and not much different than Easterns when captive raised. Basically, rubidus is a more southern form of the Texas Indigo (rubidus, unicolor, erebennus, and melanurus) are closely related in the Drymarchon complex.

Yes, my male has that deep burgandy colored tail but only visible under strong light. Indoors the color the snake appears solid black.

Truly,

Paul Bodnar
Crocodile Wildlife Conservationist

Thanks for the follow-up, Paul. This is great information to have.

All best,

David