Reptile
Southern Black Racer
Coluber constrictor priapusAlso known as Southern Racer, Black Racer
Southern black racers actively hunt during daylight, relying on keen vision and exceptional speed to overpower small prey. Adults display glossy black upper bodies paired with contrasting white chins and grey bellies, blending effortlessly into pine flatwoods and brushy suburban edges. When threatened, they vibrate their tails in dry leaves to imitate rattlesnakes before making a rapid retreat.
DiurnalNon-VenomousFast-Moving
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyGreen Anole, Southern Toad, House Mouse
Predators
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Eastern Kingsnake
- Domestic Cat
ThreatsHabitat loss, road mortality, human persecution
HabitatsPine flatwoods, overgrown fields, scrubland, suburban yards
Life span10–15 years
Classification
- FamilyColubridae
- SpeciesColuber constrictor priapus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Non-venomous but strikes vigorously and discharges foul musk if cornered; observe from a distance.
Responsible observation
- Give Space: Allow this rapid snake an open escape path when encountered on trails or lawns.
- Observe Diurnal Habits: Look for active individuals patrolling garden borders during sunny morning hours.
Predator (c) Amy Huie, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Co-Occurring Snake Wilson44691 / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative (c) Joshua Tree National Park, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.