''Coluber constrictor anthicus'', commonly known as the buttermilk racer, is a
subspecies
In biological classification, subspecies is a rank below species, used for populations that live in different areas and vary in size, shape, or other physical characteristics (morphology), but that can successfully interbreed. Not all species ...
of the
eastern racer, a non
venomous colubrid snake,
endemic to the southern
United States.
Description
The buttermilk racer is a thin-bodied snake, capable of attaining a total length of 1.52 m (60 inches). Its color is a unique pattern of
black,
greens,
yellows,
greys and even sometimes
blues, flecked with
white or yellow. Their underside is white or cream-colored.
Geographic range
The buttermilk racer is found only in the
United States, in southern
Arkansas,
Louisiana and southern and eastern
Texas.
Common names
Other common names for ''Coluber constrictor anthicus'' include the following: ash snake, blue racer, brown racer, Louisiana black snake, spotted black snake, spotted racer, variegated racer, and white oak racer.
[ Wright, A.H. and A.A. Wright. 1957. ''Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada''. Comstock. Ithaca and London. 1106 pp. (''Coluber constrictor anthicus'', pp. 136-138, Figure 43., Map 16.)]
Behavior
Racers are
diurnal, active predators. They are fast moving, and are often quick to bite if handled. They generally eat
rodents,
lizard
Lizards are a widespread group of squamate reptiles, with over 7,000 species, ranging across all continents except Antarctica, as well as most oceanic island chains. The group is paraphyletic since it excludes the snakes and Amphisbaenia alt ...
s and
frogs, but as juveniles they will also consume various kinds of soft-bodied
insects. They are fairly nervous snakes, and as such, do not typically fare well in captivity. For protection, they release a foul-smelling scent when caught to deter predators. They also thrash around to escape and can unknowingly injure themselves.
References
Herps of Texas: ''Coluber constrictor''
Herper dot com
Colubrids
Reptiles of the United States
Fauna of the Southeastern United States
{{Colubrids-stub