Mexican Redtail Indigos, or Drymarchon melanurus rubidus, inhabit much of the west coast of Mexico.  They are very similar to Eastern Indigos in appearance, although there is variation throughout their vast range.  We work with multiple lineages of rubidus. 

 

We work with black and red phase rubidus. 

 

The black phase snakes typically hatch with some gray or brown mottling which fades into a solid black snake as an adult.  They tend to have a white chin/throat which varies  from a cream white to a bone white.  Some lineages, like the Sonoran, display white that extends far down the belly, while others only have a white chin. 

 

The red phase rubidus have a much more varied look than the black phase animals.  Often referred to as "Guerrero Reds", they typically have varying amounts of orange/red on their bellies.  Thy can often have a reddish-brown color mottled onto their backs.   On average, the red rubidus are smaller than the black phase snakes.  Males seldomly exceed six feet in length, and adult females are typically five feet in length.  

 

Rubidus are every bit as impressive as the more well known Eastern Indigo, but are not federally protected.  They can be imported/exported and shipped across state lines without permits!