Southern Black Racer

P010427-006m - so black racer.jpg (28070 bytes)

Coluber constrictor priapus

P010427-012m - so black racer.jpg (45812 bytes)

The Southern Black Racer, one of three Racer subspecies found in Florida, is non-venomous, but is high-strung and will bite in self-defense. They are found in both rural and suburban areas and is one of the snakes most frequently seen by city dwellers. Adults range in length from 20 to 56 inches, with 72 inches being the recorded maximum. The slender body is glossy black above and pale gray to black underneath. It has a prominent white chin and its eyes are reddish in color. They feed on insects, frogs, toads, lizards, and rodents.

The above images were taken in the author's back yard (south of Punta Gorda) in April, 2001.