Northern black racer
A species of Eastern racers Scientific name : Coluber constrictor constrictor Genus : Eastern racers
Northern black racer, A species of Eastern racers
Scientific name: Coluber constrictor constrictor
Genus: Eastern racers
Content
Description General Info
Photo By nicknewberry , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Northern black racer is a voracious predator, utilizing speed and precision to catch and consume small mammals, amphibians, other snaked, and birds. This species possesses an impressive climbing ability, which aids in both hunting and escape from predators. Additionally, its tendency for nocturnal activity allows northern black racer to exploit niches unavailable to many diurnal predators.
General Info
Lifespan
7-10 years
Diet
Northern black racer is primarily a carnivore, feeding on a variety of small vertebrates such as mice, birds, and frogs. Its diet may also include invertebrates like insects and spiders, depending on its environment.
Appearance
The northern black racer is a long, slender reptile with smooth, scaly skin. Adults range from 3 to 5 feet in length. Its coloration is predominantly black or dark brown, with a lighter-colored underbelly. Juveniles often display a contrasting pattern of dark blotches on a lighter background, which fades as they mature. This snake lacks distinctive features such as a rattle or hood but does possess a forked tongue and hinged jaws for swallowing prey whole.
Behavior
Northern black racer is a solitary and diurnal species, active during daylight hours. It primarily feeds on small mammals and amphibians. Uniquely, it exhibits constriction, wrapping its body around prey to immobilize it before swallowing whole. Though non-territorial, it employs defensiveness when threatened, often vibrating its tail in leaf litter to mimic rattlesnakes. It does not display any notable migratory patterns.
Photo By nicknewberry , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Colubrids Genus
Eastern racers Species
Northern black racer