Barry Mansell photos.

Scientific name: Coluber constrictor helvigularis

Description: Average adult size is 26-62 inches (66-157 cm). Adult color is black with brown and white markings on the upper lips, chin and throat. The belly is grayish to uniform black. The body is slender and the scales are smooth, and there are 17 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round. Juvenile color is gray with distinct reddish brown blotches fading into a solid-colored tail.

Brownchin racer: Left to right: Top of the head; underside of the head (chin and throat).

Brownchin racer: Left to right: Side of the head; front (face view) of the head.

Range: In Florida, it is only found in the panhandle near the Apalachicola River drainage. It is not found outside of Florida.

Habitat: , though they will readily bite to defend themselves.

Commonly found in pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and sandhills.

Comments: See comments given for the southern black racer (Coluber constrictor priapus).

Comparison with other species: The eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) has a much heavier body, reddish pigment on its chin and throat, and an undivided anal plate. The eastern coachwhip snake's (Masticophis flagellum flagellum) body is black anteriorly and light tan posteriorly.

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