Plan B Forum

Southern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus)

Black Racers, also known as Eastern Racers, are a group of closely related subspecies that are similar in appearance and range across the eastern half of the U.S. (Fig. 14). The Southern Black Racer, along with several other subspecies of racers, is the true black snake of the southeastern U.S. These snakes are long and slender; the largest reaching up to six feet in length (most are less than four feet long). They have smooth scales and range from jet black to dark gray on their backs and bellies, with chins and throats that are lighter or white in color (Fig. 15).

Young Black Racers, though thin like the adults, have an overall appearance much different than adults. Juvenile Black Racers have a series of reddish to brown colored blotches down the middle of their backs on a background color of gray. They also have abundant small, dark specks on their sides and bellies (Fig. 16). Because of these mid-dorsal blotches, juveniles are sometimes confused with the venomous Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius), which also has blotches down the center of its back. However, Pygmy Rattlesnakes have much heavier bodies and stocky heads with a dark band from the eye to the corner of the jaw.

Despite their scientific name (Coluber constrictor), Black Racers do not always constrict their prey, but rather use their speed to chase down a prey animal, grab it with their strong jaws and swallow it alive. Racers are harmless to people and generally attempt to make a speedy escape when approached. However, if they feel threatened and are unable to flee, they may vigorously shake their tail (making a rattling sound on dry leaves), defecate on their captor or even bite if handled.

Black Racers inhabit a great variety of natural habitats, ranging from pine forests to the Florida Everglades. They are active during the day and are one of the most commonly encountered snakes in suburban yards and parks. As their name implies, they are swift and agile. They spend most of their lives on the ground, yet are excellent climbers and may be found in shrubs and small trees. Black Racers eat a variety of prey items including frogs, lizards, mice, rats, small snakes and even birds' eggs.

loCAtek wrote:Yup, he should be there in the morning, reptiles don't move at night. When it warms up, and if you leave him alone; he should move on.

The Hen wrote:Wow. Exciting. What kind of snake was it?

the pythons I see when I walk the dog at night.

Sean wrote:

loCAtek wrote:Yup, he should be there in the morning, reptiles don't move at night. When it warms up, and if you leave him alone; he should move on.

You might want to tell that to the browns that come onto my deck at night... not to mention the pythons I see when I walk the dog at night.

bigskygal wrote:God, or evolution, made snakes and mosquitos and spiders and lots of other creepy crawlies we wouldn't care to cuddle, because they serve a vital function in the web of life. We should not feel as humans that we have the right to kill anything we find distasteful - but of course because that mindset IS so prevalent, our environment and the critters within it find themselves in constant peril.

bigskygal wrote:Mosquitos feed countless critters - from spiders to dragonflies to birds to bats. I kill them inside, too - but I sure understand why they're necessary.