Kingdom Animalia Suborder Serpentes Subfamily Colubrinae Phylum Chordata Rank Subspecies | Subphylum Vertebrata Family Colubridae Genus Coluber Higher classification Coluber constrictor Order Scaled reptiles | |
 | ||
Scientific name Coluber constrictor flaviventris Similar Coluber constrictor, Coluber, Snake, Reptile, Western yellow‑bellied racer | ||
Eastern yellow bellied racer coluber constrictor flaviventris
Coluber constrictor flaviventris, commonly known as the eastern yellowbelly racer, is a subspecies of racer, a nonvenomous, colubrid snake. It is endemic to North America.
Contents
Juvenile eastern yellow bellied racer coluber constrictor flaviventris
Description
The eastern yellowbelly racer is a thin-bodied snake, capable of attaining a total length of 1.5 metres (60 inches). As an adult, its color is an olive grey-green, with a yellow underside. As a juvenile it is remarkably different, having a tan or cream-colored body with brown or grey blotches. The color gradually changes as the snake ages, becoming solid olive grey-green. Authors disagree as to when this transformation is complete, from 1½ to three years old, and from 18 to 30 inches (46-76 cm) in total length.
Geographic range
The eastern yellowbelly racer is found in the United States, from the states of Montana, North Dakota, east to Iowa and south to Texas, and southwest to Louisiana. It is also found in isolated populations in Canada.
Conservation status
Coluber constrictor flaviventris is listed as an endangered species in the province of Saskatchewan.
Behavior
Racers are diurnal, active predators. They are fast moving, and are often quick to bite if handled. They generally eat rodents, lizards, and frogs, but as juveniles they will also consume various kinds of soft bodied insect. They are fairly nervous snakes, and as such, do not typically fare well in captivity.