The eastern yellowbelly racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) is a subspecies of racer, a nonvenomous, colubrid snake.
Description[]
The eastern yellowbelly racer is a thin-bodied snake, capable of attaining lengths 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. Their 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 long.[1]
Distribution[]
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, and is listed as an endangered species in the province of Saskatchewan.
Juvenile Eastern Yellowbelly Racer, C. c. flaviventris
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.Template:Citation needed
References[]
- ↑ Wright, A.H. & A.A. Wright. 1957. Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. Comstock. Ithaca & London.
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