ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Northern Black Racer

 Northern Black Racer

northern black racer
Both the northern black racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor) (pictured left) and its larger relative the blue racer (Coluber constrictor foxi) occur in Ohio. Some taxonomists no longer recognize the blue racer as a separate subspecies, and consider it synonymous with Coluber constrictor flaviventris, the Eastern yellow-bellied racer. Regardless, geographically distinct blue and black forms occur in the state.

Northern Black Racer
Coluber constrictor constrictor

At-a-Glance

• Length: 36-60 inches

• Peak Breeding Activity: April-July

• Number of offspring : 3-32

• Typical Foods: insects, spiders, small frogs, small reptiles, and young rodents and shrews.

 
Description
The northern black racer is a uniform medium or plain black throughout. However, interbreeding often occurs in the area where the populations of the black and blue racer overlap, resulting in the blue and northern black racer intergrade, Coluber constrictor constrictor x foxi. This intergrade may be indistinguishable from either parent, or may possess their combined characteristics.

Habitat and Habits
The northern black racer occurs in eastern Ohio. A diagonal line drawn across the state from Hamilton County to Ashtabula County would roughly mark the area where the populations of the black and blue racer overlap.

Although racers are among the swiftest and most graceful of all our snakes, their top speed is only 8 to 10 miles and hour. They are extremely nervous and become very aggressive when an attempt is made to capture them. They strike viciously and can inflict a painful bite with their small, but numerous teeth. When alarmed, they rapidly vibrate the tip of their tail, as do many other species of snakes.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Females lay their eggs in hidden nests, such as a rotted stump or log, an old mammal burrow, or a nest cavity in the leaf litter or sand. The eggs usually hatch in August or early September.