Eastern Indigo Snake

This month’s photo comes from Ben Stegenga, Research Assistant for the Longleaf Savannas Initiative here at the Orianne Society. 

This impressive male Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi) was one of several observed on the Orianne Indigo Snake Preserve this winter. Their dark coloration absorbs heat quickly and allows indigo snakes to remain active in cooler weather. It’s a simple yet effective adaptation that allowed this snake to be out roaming his sandhill in search of females in 45° weather.