Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer

Coluber constrictor flaviventris

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

This large (to 5 ½ feet but often a bit smaller) racer is variable in appearance. Dorsally and laterally it may be bluish to gray or greenish. Ventral color varies from cream to bright yellow. 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.

 

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:

This is a common snake of open grasslands, brushlands, farmlands, ranches, and sparsely treed woodlands. It ranges far westward and northward from its small coastal Louisiana range. Primarily feeds on lizards, frogs, baby turtles, small snakes, and the nestlings of ground dwelling birds or mammals.

 

Geographic Range:

LA, MN, TX, CA, CO, MT, ID, KS, MO, NE, IA, WY, NM, ND, SD