Brown-chinned Racer

Coluber constrictor helvigularis

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

This 3 ½ to 4 ½ foot long racer is satiny black (not shiny) above and below except for throat and chin that may be light brown or white mottled with brown. The hatchlings are lighter than the adults and usually strongly patterned with darker dorsal saddles. Scales are smooth, in 17 rows to and beyond midbody, and 15 rows posteriorly. Anal scale is divided. Pupil round. As are other subspecies in this genus, this is a slender, alert snake that can be difficult to approach.

 

Unique Features:

These fast snakes often hunt by “periscoping,” their head held well above the grasses or weeds in which they are searching for their prey of lizards, frogs, baby turtles, small snakes, and the nestlings of ground dwelling birds or mammals. As would befit snakes with such hunting techniques, the eyes are large and vision is acute. When defensive, racers often shake or vibrate their tail. When amidst dead leaves and grasses this produces a sound somewhat similar to that of a disturbed rattlesnake.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Open fields and clear cuts as well as along the dirt roads that transect the Apalachicola and Chipola river valleys. Their prey is made up of lizards, frogs, baby turtles, small snakes, and the nestlings of ground dwelling birds or mammals.

 

Geographic Range:

FL, GA