Southern black racer
ExploreReptiles
Southern black racer
Coluber constrictor priapus
The Southern black racer is a fast and sleek snake that loves to slither through grass and bushes. They are friendly and help keep the environment healthy by eating pests.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Southern black racer is a sleek, uniformly dull black snake with smooth scales and a distinctive white chin and throat. Juveniles are gray with dark blotches, looking quite different from the adults.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyColubridaeGenusColuber
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite their scientific name, these speedy snakes do not constrict their prey!
They often freeze instantly when startled, hoping to blend in and avoid detection!
Unlike many snakes, they are active hunters during the day, not at night!
Young black racers are blotchy gray, completely unlike their sleek, black parents!
Special abilities
Ability
Lightning Dash
Southern black racer can move incredibly fast to outrun predators or chase down quick prey.
Ability
Tree Ascender
Southern black racer can climb trees and shrubs with ease, helping them find food or escape danger.
Ability
Tail Rattle Imitation
Southern black racer can vibrate its tail rapidly in dry leaves to mimic a venomous rattlesnake.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 90-150 cm
- Weight
- 0.3-0.6 kg
- Lifespan
- 8-10 years
- Top Speed
- 12 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 10-25
- Incubation
- 60-80 days
Diet & Feeding
These quick hunters eat small lizards, frogs, rodents, bird eggs, and even other snakes!
Age differences: Young snakes eat more insects; adults prefer larger prey like rodents and lizards.
Primary Foods
- Lizards
- Frogs
- Small rodents
- Bird eggs
- Insects
- Other snakes
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Hawks are major predators of adult racers.
hunts
Green Anole
Anolis carolinensis
Racers actively pursue and eat these common lizards.
hunts
Cotton Mouse
Peromyscus gossypinus
A common small mammal often hunted by racers.
Traits
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
Black Racer
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a snake, it's best to stay calm and walk away slowly. Never try to touch or pick it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Southern black racer?
90-150 cm
How much does Southern black racer weigh?
0.3-0.6 kg
How long does Southern black racer live?
8-10 years
How fast can Southern black racer move?
12 km/h
What does Southern black racer eat?
These quick hunters eat small lizards, frogs, rodents, bird eggs, and even other snakes!
Where is Southern black racer usually found?
Grasslands
How does Southern black racer hunt?
Pursuit
How many eggs does Southern black racer lay?
10-25
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