Sexual Dimorphism: Northern Black Racers show little sexualĭimorphism. Racers in shedding cycle appear dark gray to light brown. Of venter of neck white some white pigment on supralabial scales in some individuals Uniformly black dorsally, dark gray ventrally venter of tail uniformly light gray headīlack except for anterior portion of snout, which is brownish chin and a variable portion N = 131) or other combinations of 1-3 (25.2%).Ĭoloration and Pattern: Body of adults slender and (24.2%) loreal present preoculars 2/2 postoculars 2/2 temporals usually 2+2/2+2 (74.8%, Smooth, scale rows usually 17 (90.7%, n = 184) at midbody, but may be 15-16 (8.3%) anal Tail length/total length in Virginia specimens averaged 23.3 ± 2.1% (15.3-29.1, Maximum known snout-vent length (SVL) is 1,395 mm (54.9 in.) and total length is 1,795 mm Maximum total length of 1,854 mm (73.0 inches) (Conant and Collins, 1991). All other Virginia authors have used the current nomenclature.ĭescription: A long, shiny, black snake reaching a Synonyms have been used in the early Virginia literature: Bascanion constrictor (Drowne, 1900 Hay,ġ902 Dunn, 1915d) following Baird and Girard (1853) and Zamenis constrictor (Cope, 1900)įollowing Boulenger (1893-1896). Only the nominate subspecies occurs in Virginia. Two subspecies are currently recognized: the Northern Black Racer ( ColuberĬonstrictor constrictor) (Linnaeus) and the Southern Black Racer (ColuberĬonstrictor priapus). Dunn and Wood (1939) suggested that Philadelphia was the type The type locality as "America septentrionale." The type locality was later restricted to Linnaeus designated no holotype, but listed Black racers will often feed on rodents, birds, amphibians, and other small mammals and can live up to 10 years in the wild.Systematics: Originally described as ColuberĬonstrictor by Carolus Linnaeus in 1758. North american racers will strike repeatedly and vigorously if too close or agitated, so it is best to keep your distance. They are found throughout the entire State of Tennessee. They can grow very large, as we have found them up to 5′ ft in length. The largest threat this snake will cause, is the injury you may recieve if you trip while running away, and chances are, it is faster.Īs a defense mechanism, the north american racer will rattle its tail, or vibrate it fast enough to produce a rattle sound, even though not a rattlesnake. They are excellent climbers and extremely fast snakes. The north american racer, often referred to as the “black racer” or “blue racer”, is often found in urban and rural farm land and open fields. To thwart a percieved threat, they will rattle their tail, whipping it back and forth, mimicking a rattle sound, as if a rattlesnake. They are excellent climbers, and commonly will lift their upper body to visually locate prey. Interesting Facts: The north american racer is one of the most common snakes found around fields and can move as fast as 5 – 7 miles per hour to escape a threat.
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