HerpIndiana

Eastern Racer (Coluber constrictor)

Description

Large, dark snakes with no pattern in the adults. Adult Eastern Racers have a dorsal coloration of dark black to gray or pale blue. Juveniles are light gray with distinct brownish blotches running down the dorsal surface; these young Racers look considerably different than the adults. Ventral coloration is gray. Adults can grow to reach lengths of over five feet. In the northern half of Indiana, particularly in the northernmost counties, Racers are very light in coloration and display a light blue color near the belly.

Distribution

Racers are distributed across Indiana and are one of the most commonly-encountered snakes in the state.

Activity

Racers can be found from early spring to late fall and even seem to be more tolerant of the summer heat than other Colubrids.

Taxonomy

Indiana is home to two subspecies of the Eastern Racer, the Southern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) and the Blue Racer (C. c. foxii). The family Colubridae is represented by 11 species in Indiana, although no other members of the genus Coluber occur in the state.

Natural History

Racers are most often found in open grasslands, frequently near the edge of wooded areas. In the northwestern portion of Indiana, they prefer open, sandy prairies. In other parts of the state, they are frequently encountered in brushy fields and other areas with sparse tree cover. Racers breed in mid to late spring, and eggs hatch in late summer. Racers feed upon a wide variety of vertebrates and some invertebrates. In both habitat preference and prey selection, these snakes are true generalists.