# 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. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Grasslands - **Also known as:** Black Racer ![Southern black racer](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Coluber_constrictor_priapus%252C_Abwehrhaltung.jpg&width=800) Photo: Peter Paplanus, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coluber_constrictor_priapus%252C_Abwehrhaltung.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Serpentes - **Family:** Colubridae - **Genus:** Coluber ## 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 - **Lightning Dash:** Southern black racer can move incredibly fast to outrun predators or chase down quick prey. - **Tree Ascender:** Southern black racer can climb trees and shrubs with ease, helping them find food or escape danger. - **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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## 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 to identify Southern black racer? Compare the full body pattern, build, head markings and tail. Color can shift with age and lighting. Rules of thumb about triangular heads or round pupils aren't a reliable way to tell whether a snake is venomous. Snake Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Rock Springs Run State Reserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/rock-springs-run-state-reserve) — Florida, US · State Park - [Roser Park Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/roser-park-historic-district) — Florida, US · Historic District - [Sunken Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sunken-gardens) — Florida, US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Southern black racer](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/southern-black-racer) ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Southern black racer: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/southern-black-racer)