11 Racer Snake Subspecies That You Have No Reason to Fear

The racer snake is sleek and swift. Despite their sometimes intimidating speed, mostly harmless to humans. You may confuse racers for other snakes because of their color, but they have unique behaviors and characteristics that make them stand out.

Part of the Coluber constrictor family, they’re not constrictors despite their name. Instead, they use quick strikes to capture their meals. These snakes come in various colors depending on the region — some are blue, others black or greenish, but all share the same speedy, slender bodies.

The North American racer is a catch-all name for the different racer snake species in the U.S. and parts of Canada. North American racers occupy a wide range of habitats, from forests to grasslands, and have an active hunting style.

1. Black-masked Racer (Coluber constrictor latrunculus)

The black-masked racer is a fast and agile snake found primarily in the southeastern U.S., particularly in regions like Arkansas and Missouri. It gets its name from the distinctive dark "mask" that stretches across its eyes, giving it a stealthy appearance. As is the case for most juvenile North American racers, young black-masked racers typically have more vibrant scales than their mature counterparts.

With a slender, olive to grayish body, this snake is well adapted to forests and open fields, where it hunts a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds and insects. It's not uncommon to mistake the black-masked racer for an adult black rat snake or another black snake, especially when it's slithering through shadowy areas.

2. Blue Racer (Coluber constrictor foxii)

As its name suggests, this snake has a beautiful blue or bluish-gray coloration. Found in the Great Lakes region, these snakes prefer open habitats like grasslands and fields, where their speed helps them catch prey or escape predators. Blue racers have aggressive defense tactics, often vibrating their tails in leaves to mimic the sound of a rattlesnake.

3. Brown-chinned Racer (Coluber constrictor helvigularis)

The brown-chinned racer is a unique species native to parts of Central America, recognizable by its dark, sleek body paired with a distinctive brown or tan chin marking.

This snake thrives in diverse habitats, from tropical forests to savannas, where it darts through the underbrush in search of small animals. Nonvenomous and primarily diurnal, the brown-chinned racer is known for its curious and alert nature, quickly fleeing from threats while navigating the dense vegetation of its home.

4. Buttermilk Racer (Coluber constrictor anthicus)

The buttermilk racer — native to the southern U.S., particularly in states like Texas and Louisiana — is one of the most striking members of the racer family. Its name comes from the distinctive pattern of speckles and blotches in white, cream and black, creating a marbled appearance that stands out in the open grasslands and savannas it calls home.

The buttermilk racer uses its agility to escape predators and catch prey, including rodents, lizards and amphibians. Despite its striking looks, it is nonvenomous and generally prefers to avoid confrontation.

5. Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris)

Similar to its western cousin, the eastern yellow-bellied racer lives in central and eastern U.S. with a vibrant yellow underbelly and a darker back that ranges from gray to greenish.

Eastern racers prefer open habitats like meadows and fields, where their swift movements are perfectly suited for hunting. These snakes are excellent at blending into their surroundings and use their speed to capture a variety of small prey.

6. Everglades Racer (Coluber constrictor paludicola)

Found in the wetlands and marshy areas of Florida, these snakes are dark gray or black with a more subtle belly color compared to other racers. They are incredibly agile, weaving through the tall grasses and dense vegetation of the Everglades as they hunt small mammals and amphibians.

7. Mexican Racer (Coluber constrictor oaxaca)

The Mexican racer is a sleek and agile snake found primarily in the southern regions of Mexico. With a body that ranges from olive green to brownish-gray, this snake blends effortlessly into its environment.

Its swift movements help it navigate through forested areas and open fields as it hunts for small mammals, birds and insects. While nonvenomous, the Mexican racer can be quick to retreat if threatened, showcasing the same flight-first behavior that is common among racers.

8. Northern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor)

The northern black racer primarily lives in the northeastern and central U.S. While it shares similarities with its southern cousin, the adult northern black racer has a slightly duller, dark gray or black body.

These snakes are excellent climbers that often bask on rocks or logs. Juvenile northern black racers are typically more colorful, with brown or gray blotches. But as they mature, the juvenile pattern gradually disappears as they darken to their characteristic black hue.

9. Southern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus)

The southern black racer is a sleek and fast-moving snake that lives in the southeastern United States. This snake’s smooth, shiny black body gives it a striking appearance as it zips through forests and grasslands.

While adult southern black racers are jet black, the juveniles can sport patterned or mottled markings. These snakes are nonvenomous and prefer to flee rather than fight, living up to their reputation as speedy escape artists.

10. Tan Racer (Coluber constrictor etheridgei)

Found in the southwestern United States, the tan racer sports a smooth, sandy brown coloration that makes it perfectly suited for the arid environments it inhabits, such as deserts and scrublands.

With a slender, streamlined body built for speed, this snake is an expert at chasing down small prey while remaining camouflaged against the sandy terrain. Like other racers, it is nonvenomous and relies on its swiftness to avoid potential predators, making it a master of evasion.

11. Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor mormon)

The western yellow-bellied racer is a stunning species that lives throughout the western United States. These snakes are typically olive-green on top with a bright yellow belly, making them easy to identify.

Known for their incredible speed, western yellow-bellied racers are quick to flee when under threat. They prefer open areas such as prairies and desert regions, where they can chase down prey like lizards, small birds and rodents.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.

Original article: 11 Racer Snake Subspecies That You Have No Reason to Fear

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