Drymarchon melanurus erebennus

(Cope, 1860)

Vernacular names

English : Texas indigo snake
French : Serpent indigo du Texas

Classification

Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Colubridae
Notes : 4 other subspecies known.

Identification

Adults can reach between 1.80 and 2.40 meters in length. Its coloration is shiny black with purple iridescence. This subspecies is often black but can be olive-brown with slight iridescence. Black bands on face.

Range and habitat

This subspecies occurs in south Texas and north-east Mexico. Species found from central and south Mexico to Venezuela and Peru. Lives in open grassland, savannas, coastal dunes, never far from fresh water.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species remains locally common. The Texas subspecies is considered endangered because of habitat loss due to human development.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation