This has led the snake to be listed as endangered in Canada. The scientific name for this species is the Coluber constrictor foxii.. Technically, the Blue Racer is a subspecies of the Coluber constrcitor, which is a species of nonvenomous snake commonly referred to as the Eastern Racer.. Two key features unique to the blue racer are: Some blues are a darker gray color and can be harder to distinguish from other subspecies such as the southern black racer (pictured below). Place lots of decor in their enclosure too.

These snakes are accustomed to traveling long distances, so they do not thrive in small habitats. However, this speedy predator has also been known to eat insects, lizards, moles, small snakes, birds, eggs, frogs, and rodents.

The sun incubates the eggs, and they usually hatch within a month or two. However, they will eat them if they get the chance! In fact, they pose no threat to humans in any way, and usually attempt to flee if confronted. It is a subspecies of the well-known North American racer. They live as far north as southern Canada, and as far south as Guatemala. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In a zoological setting, zookeepers handle racers infrequently to reduce stress. They also live in swamps, marshes, along the edges of lakes, and more. Their diet depends on their age and location. The snake usually chooses flight over fight, but if they are cornered, they will lash out and bite repeatedly. They commonly hide in burrows, rotten logs, rock crevices, and other hidden areas. Due to its diurnal habits, the nonvenomous Black Racer is one of the most frequently encountered Florida snakes. They can slither at speeds of up to four miles per hour. Paper towels are more utilitarian but are far easier to keep clean and change. With hundreds of educational care guides covering the health, habitat, husbandry and behaviour of lizards, snakes, turtles, and more; we are here to provide anyone keeping or studying reptiles and amphibians with expert guidance. In the wild blue racer sakes are opportunistic feeders. They like to roam and will need quite a bit more space than a ball python or corn snake. Southern black racer snake facts. Blue racer snakes are named after their color and high metabolism. Adults grow up to 5 feet long, and weigh a little over a pound. Some of their favorite habitats are grasslands and fields, open woodlands, and the edges of forests. Black racers live in a variety of different ecosystems within their range.

Finally, they should have constant access to clean water. If seized, they will writhe, flail, bite and release a rank-smelling musk in a bid for freedom. The blue racer snake is one of the few species of blue snakes in the world. Due to their aggressive nature they are not good snakes for first time owners. When threatened, these snakes flee quickly to cover. Different regions commonly have different subspecies of racers. Approximately 40% of the newly born Southern Black Racers will survive through the first year of life. Like most racers the blue can be flighty and prone to biting. alert and well-fed). Parasites like mites and ticks can also be a problem. Good examples include: branches, boxes, tunnels and plants (real or fake). These snakes use their eyesight and sense of smell to search for prey and watch for predators. Both sexes are slender snakes and are not particularly heavy-bodied like a Western Hognose. long they usually lose these patterns and assume a more uniform color. Birds and bird eggs represent a smaller portion of their diet because blue racers are not heavy climbers. However, this is a species that likes to be on the move and so will not spend much time under substrate or in a hide box.

Young snakes have a dark blotched pattern on their backs (similar to juvenile rat snakes) which they lose as they reach sexual maturity.

Blue racer snakes are aggressive and can strike from a long distance. Ticks are usually found with their heads buried under a scale. Their smooth scales and skin play a role in their speed, and they generally shed their skin yearly. The blue racer is intelligent and will likely explore anything you place in its cage. You can also notice mites on your hands when holding an infected snake (they won’t hurt you).

Frozen-thawed mice are widely available and can be stored easily. long they usually lose these patterns and assume a more uniform color. The brightest and bluest individuals are more likely to be sold for a premium price. Because these snakes are so common, they are relatively well-known creatures. Read on to learn about the black racer.

Written by Johnathan David September 18, 2020. Like most snakes, black racers are carnivorous, which means they eat meat. However, like many wild animals, if cornered, racers will put up a spirited fight, biting hard and vigorously.

Southern Black Racers are speedy snakes, slithering around at speeds of approximately four miles an hour (6.5 kilometers an hour).

Like all snakes, the Southern Black Racer snake is carnivorous, subsisting mostly on amphibians and small mammals. They are fast animals and may be hard to catch if they decide to unexpectedly leave their terrarium. They prefer slightly cooler temperatures than other snakes with a high range ~85°F. However, black racers are not dangerous to humans in the slightest. A familiar sight and sound in waterways and wetlands across the state, the pigeon-sized Common…, Lake & Wetland Management employee, Bill Shea, constructed a Barn Owl nest box and we…, Porphyrio Poliocephalus - The Grey-Headed Swamphen Related to Florida’s native Common Gallinule, Purple Gallinule, and…, Get monthly updates on trends in environmental management and info on, Southern Black Racer: Coluber Constrictor Priapus, Properly Controlling Mosquitoes Near Lakes & Ponds, Restoring Rum Island Springs Shoreline in Lee’s Park, Video: Invasive Aquatic Plant Treatment in Florida. They keep them in relatively large habitats for their size, because they are active snakes. They will also, especially when young, ward off potential threats by vibrating their tail tips in a rapid tattoo which, on dry leaves, can sound convincingly like a rattlesnake. They simply swoop down and grab the snake. This makes them a poor choice for new snake keepers. While many people can identify black racers, far fewer know much more about these snakes. However, it can be a good idea to include a humid hide with sphagnum moss when your snake is shedding. Therefore, these snakes, like all snakes, should be approached with caution. Sadly their wild population is decreasing due to habitat loss, construction and human activity. The Racer is nonvenomous and is harmless to humans. They do not tolerate being picked up. Blue racer snakes, commonly known as eastern racers are subspecies of Coluber constrictor – a nonvenomous species of colubrid snakes. They also spread down from Texas into portions of Mexico and into Guatemala. They adapt to a wide variety of habitats and climates. The blue racer snake is one of the few species of blue snakes in the world. The blue racer snake is a fast, attractive non-venomous reptile. Bacterial diseases can be caused by poor husbandry and dirty bedding. Home Snakes Blue Racer Snake Breed Profile: Facts, Speed, Pictures & Care. Let us know in the comments. The Eastern rat snake, like the Eastern racer, is a constrictor. They also require a very large enclosure because of their size, activity and speed. Like all wildlife, the Black Racer is to be respected and is best appreciated from a distance. Younger snakes frequently prey on lizards, small snakes, frogs, insects, and small rodents. Everything Reptiles © 2020 - All Rights Reserved. Adult blue racers range in size from 36 to 60 inches. In addition to biting, they will musk and twist their bodies around to make themselves difficult to hold. The Black Racer tens to wooded areas such as forested areas, thickets, brushes, open fields, and gardens found around suburban homes. Facts About the Southern Black Racer Snake Common in grasslands, open woodlands and suburban areas, the racer is often found near water where its prey is plentiful. they reach sexual maturity anywhere between 1 and 3 years of age. This color mutation produces species that look like a black and white photograph. The appearance of this snake species varies based on the region. They grow to 36 to 60 inches in size and are easily identified by their metallic gray-green scales. Do Snakes Lay Eggs? Axanthism is a color mutation in snakes. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Animals.NET aim to promote interest in nature and animals among children, as well as raise their awareness in conservation and environmental protection.

Black racers are often found within the grasslands and rock hills, this is where they …

Their thin bodies allow them to squeeze into cracks that humans cannot reach.

It is up to the potential buyer to assess whether or not the appeal of owning this unique animal is worth the harm to their population. They have a white underbelly and metallic scales that range in color from gray-green to bright cyan. Their high metabolism lets them slither at speeds of up to 4 miles per hour! These snakes usually cruise along at approximately 4 mph, and search for potential prey. They should have at least enough room to stretch out to their full length and prefer to have more ground space to height. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete.