The Southern Black Racer snake is a very common species of snake found in Southern parts of the United States. It is commonly found throughout Florida and in other Southern states such as Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia. Its scientific name is Coluber constrictor Priapus.
This is a non-venomous species that usually only grows to around 4ft in length. They are commonly encountered as they are widespread throughout their range and are very active during the day. As they are non-venomous, a bite from one of these snakes is generally harmless.
Taxonomy
The Southern Black Racer belongs to the Colubridae (Colubrid) Family of snakes. This is the same family as species such as Corn Snakes, Kingsnakes and Milk snakes. Colubrid snakes are common throughout South-Eastern United States.
The genus that this snake belongs to is called Coluber. This genus consists of 11 species of racer that are all native to North and Central America. These species are:
- Buttermilk Racer
- Northern Black Racer
- Tan Racer
- Eastern Yellow-Bellied Racer
- Blue Racer
- Brown-Chinned Racer
- Black Masked Racer
- Mexican Racer
- Everglades Racer
- Southern Black Racer
- Western Yellow-Bellied Racer
Description
The Southern Black Racer is a small to medium sized snake that grows to lengths of 2-5ft. They have smooth scales that cover their slim bodies. They have very little to no patterning.
The back and sides of the snake are black to dark grey in colour while the belly of the snake is usually light grey or white. Juveniles can have red or brown blotches but this generally fades as the snake ages, leaving a uniform base color to the snake.
A characteristic feature of this snake is the color of their jawline. The jawline of this snake is white, above and below the mouth where the base color and the belly color of the snake meet. This gives the snake the appearance of having white lips.
They are somewhat similar in appearance to the Mexican Black Kingsnake although there are notable differences such as patterning, coloration and size.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Southern Black Racer can be found throughout much of the South-Eastern United States. They are very common in states such as Florida, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, among other states.
Their range extends from Easter Texas all the way to the Atlantic coastline. They can be found as far North as the Southern parts of Maine. Although most of the racers that are found this far North are Northern Black Racers.
They thrive in a wide variety of habitats and conditions, which is evident by their large geographical range. However, their preferred habitat tends to be wooded areas, brush, and thickets.
They can also be commonly found on more open areas such as parks, farmland and even in peoples gardens. They thrive in areas where there is both open space and plenty of places to retreat.
Southern Black Racer as Pets
The Southern Black Racer does not make a good pet. These snakes do not like to be handled and will often bite if you attempt to pick them up. They are a very fast-moving snake and will attempt to wriggle free while you handle them. If they feel threatened, they will often musk the person holding them.
Southern Black Racer Diet
The Southern Black Racer is not a picky eater and will consume a wide variety of animals. They will eat lizards, rodents, small mammals, birds, eggs and frogs. They are even known to feed off other smaller snakes and even insects.
The species name for this snake is Coluber constrictor but this is misleading. Most ‘Constrictor’ snakes get their name because they wrap around their prey and suffocate them, but this is rarely seen with the Southern Black Racer.
Instead, they suffocate or crush their prey by ‘pinning’ them into the ground or other surface such as a burrow wall.
Southern Black Racer Breeding
The Southern Black Racer breeding season begins after the winter months once the temperatures start to rise. This usually starts to happen around March. Clutch sizes can vary greatly but females usually lay up to 20 eggs.
The eggs usually hatch in late Summer or early Autumn. When they emerge from the egg babies usually measure around 15cm in length.