Racer {Coluber constrictor) 



Description: A slender, but moderately long snake, the Racer ranges from 20-65 inches in length. 

 Adult coloration is uniform across the dorsal side but it can var}' from a greenish-gray to 

 brown or blue. The ventral side is whitish to pale yellow, the latter color extending onto the 

 upper lip scales and nasal region. The eyes are relatively large. The scales are smooth and 

 the nostril is bordered by two scales. 



Young: Snakes up to about 20" have a much different coloration than the adults, consisting 

 of a series of dorsal brown blotches edged with black which run the length of the animal; a 

 row of blotches is also found on each side of the animal extending onto the ventral side. 



Similar species: Young Gopher Snakes may be distinguished by the keeled rather than smooth 

 scales of the young Racer. Young Western Hognose Snakes have an upturned nose. Smooth 

 Green Snakes are smaller and colored bright grass-green and whitish below; their nostrils are 

 centered in single scales. Also see Rubber Boa. 



Habitat and Habits: The Racer is associated with more open habitats either in shortgrass. shrub- 

 steppe, or forested areas (Hammerson 1982a, Baxter and Stone 1985). It is often found near 

 water and rocks. The Racer is an extremely fast and agile snake. A clutch of perhaps 3-7 

 eggs is laid in the summer (Stebbins 1985). It preys on insects and small vertebrates such as 

 mice and frogs. 



Status: The Racer was not seen in this survey nor are there historic records from the study area 

 or Teton County. However they are known just to the south of the RMRD and from about 

 25 miles west of the Little Belt Mountains. They possibly do occur on or near the study area 

 at low to mid-elevations; any sightings should be documented. Of particular interest would 

 be documentation of any denning sites located. 



Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S5. 



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