California Striped Racer

Masticophis lateralis lateralis

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

This 5’ long, snake is another of the racer relative speedsters. Dorsal color is dark gray, dark brown, or black and it has narrow (2 half scales wide) yellow to orangish dorsolateral striping. Its belly is off-white to yellow anteriorly and pink posteriorly. Scales smooth in 17 rows. Oviparous. Hatchlings are similar to the adults. They often “periscope when hunting.

 

Unique Features:

The lateral stripes of this pretty racer are 1 full scale row and 2 half scale rows wide.

 

Habitat and Diet:

It is an inhabitant of open woodlands, meadows and scrubland. Prey of this snake includes nestlings of small mammals, birds, and lizards

 

Geographic Range:

CA,