Kenneth L.
Krysko photo.
Scientific name: Coluber constrictor priapus
Description: Average adult size is 20-56 inches (50-142 cm), record is 72 inches (182 cm). Adult color is black with white markings on the 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.
 Kenneth L. Krysko photo. |
Head of southern black racer. |
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Juvenile southern black racers are blotched. |
Southern black racer: Left to right: Top of the head;
underside of the head (chin and throat).
Southern black racer: Left to right: Side of the head;
front (face view) of the head.
Range: It is found throughout Florida and the lower Florida keys. Outside of Florida, it is found throughout the eastern US from northeastern Texas north to Minnesota and east to Maine.
Habitat: Commonly found in pinelands, hardwood hammocks, prairies, sandhills, scrub, and cypress strands.
Comments:
,
though they will readily bite to defend themselves. Racers are one of
the snakes most likely to be seen by Floridians. It inhabits both rural
and urban habitats and is frequently seen in residential areas during
the daytime. Like other racers, it is fast moving and can climb and swim
well. When discovered, the racer will usually flee for shelter, relying
on its speed and agility to avoid capture. However, when cornered, its
only defense is to strike. Its bite is harmless, but its needle-sharp
teeth can cause bleeding. When annoyed, it may rapidly vibrate its tail
in the leaf litter, producing a buzzing sound.
The racer does not make a good pet because it never gets over its nervous disposition.
Racers are opportunistic predators whose diet is as varied as their choice of habitat. It feeds on frogs, lizards, snakes, rodents, and birds and their eggs. In Florida, frogs, lizards and small snakes make up the majority of the racer's diet. Despite its scientific name, Coluber constrictor, the racer is not a true constrictor and overpowers its prey by simply grabbing it in its jaws and pressing it against the ground until it stops struggling.
Breeding occurs from March through June, and 6-20 eggs are laid from May through August. Newborns are 6-9 inches (15-22 cm) in length.
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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