Identification
Racers
are large, active snakes with smooth, shiny scales. Adults average 23 to 50
inches in length, while young are about 15 inches long. Coloration and geographic
range separate the two subspecies that occur in Indiana. The Southern Black
Racer, C. c. priapus, is uniformly black in color above and below with
a pale white chin, while
the Blue Racer, C. c. foxii, is uniformly bluish gray, turquoise or
olive in color with a white to yellow-white chin. Similar species include: Black
Rat Snake, Black Kingsnake
Distribution and Status
The Southern Black Racer is found in the southern part of state and the Blue Racer in the northern two-thirds portion. Both species are considered common within their respective ranges.
Ecology
Racers prefer dry open fields, meadows, forest clearings and prairies. They are active in the daylight hours and can be relatively easy to spot in the field because they often forage with their head and neck raised above their body. Racers often bask in the sun in low brush and can quickly disappear from view, thus the name “racer.” They are the only species that will occasionally charge at a person. This behavior is a bluff and the racer will retreat if challenged. Racers eat a variety of rodents, insects, amphibians, other reptiles, birds, and bird eggs.
Resources
General reference guides
and websites.
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499