Tan Racer

Coluber constrictor etheridgei

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

The primary color of this 4 to 5 foot long racer is tan. It may lack spots but usually has some scales, either individually or in groups, contrastingly colored in cream, or lighter tan. This, and the neighboring buttermilk racer, the only 2 subspecies of racer with contrastingly colored dorsal scales, may interbreed where they come in contact. Hatchlings are tan to brown with darker saddles. Scales are smooth, in 17 rows to and beyond midbody, and 15 rows posteriorly. Anal scale is divided. Pupil round.

 

Unique Features:

The tan racer, fast and alert inhabits longleaf pine flatwoods whereas the closely allied buttermilk racer prefers more open habitats. These fast and alert 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 longleaf pine woodlands and nearby grasslands where the snakes blend well with the patterns of dappled light. Prey includes amphibians, lizards, hatchling turtles, and smaller snakes.

 

Geographic Range:

LA, TX,