Racer
Coluber constrictor
Coluber constrictor
HARMLESS
Description:
There are two racer subspecies in Oklahoma:
Adults can be plain brown to olive green in color with no markings. The belly is yellow or cream-colored and also has no markings.
As the name suggests, adults are black with a light blue or cream-colored belly.
All of our young racers have a blotched dorsal pattern that fades after a few years. The scales are smooth and the anal plate is divided.
Size:
Adults 34 - 60 inches (86 - 152 cm)
Prey:
Small rodents, birds, lizards, snakes, frogs, and insects
Reproduction:
Mates April through May. Lays 5 - 25 eggs in mid-summer. Eggs hatch in 6 - 9 weeks and babies are about 8 - 12 inches (20 - 30 cm) long. Racer eggs have a rough, granular texture.
Habitat:
Found in most habitats at lower elevations.
Other Information:
The eastern yellow-bellied racer is found statewide except for extreme southeast Oklahoma.
The southern black racer is found in parts of eastern Oklahoma and also in the far southeastern corner of the state.
When disturbed, this snake may buzz or vibrate its tail.
The racer's scientific name is a misnomer. It is not a true constrictor.
Why doesn't the range map show this species in my county?
Description:
There are two racer subspecies in Oklahoma:
- Eastern yellow-bellied racer
Adults can be plain brown to olive green in color with no markings. The belly is yellow or cream-colored and also has no markings.
- Southern black racer
As the name suggests, adults are black with a light blue or cream-colored belly.
All of our young racers have a blotched dorsal pattern that fades after a few years. The scales are smooth and the anal plate is divided.
Size:
Adults 34 - 60 inches (86 - 152 cm)
Prey:
Small rodents, birds, lizards, snakes, frogs, and insects
Reproduction:
Mates April through May. Lays 5 - 25 eggs in mid-summer. Eggs hatch in 6 - 9 weeks and babies are about 8 - 12 inches (20 - 30 cm) long. Racer eggs have a rough, granular texture.
Habitat:
Found in most habitats at lower elevations.
Other Information:
The eastern yellow-bellied racer is found statewide except for extreme southeast Oklahoma.
The southern black racer is found in parts of eastern Oklahoma and also in the far southeastern corner of the state.
When disturbed, this snake may buzz or vibrate its tail.
The racer's scientific name is a misnomer. It is not a true constrictor.
Why doesn't the range map show this species in my county?
