THE SNAKES 257 



on the uniform pitchy black of the adult. Such is the 

 typical form found east of the Mississippi River. In 

 the Central States, thence westward, is a pale variety, 

 flaviventris, which is greenish-gray with a j^ellow ab- 

 domen — often bluish above and popularlj^ known as the 

 Blue Racer. From this it will be appreciated that 

 Zamenis constrictor is found from the Atlantic to the 

 Pacific coasts. 



Covering as extensive an area of country in longitude, 

 but restricted to the southern United States, is the 

 Coach-Whip Snake, Z. flagelliformis. The eastern 

 or tj^pical form is blackish about the head and neck, 

 brownish posteriorly. Greatlj^ elongated, with a slen- 

 der, tapering tail and rather large scales, giving the 

 impression of a braided whip, the popular name is a 

 good one. Texas representatives are paler — greenish 

 or clay color. In the West is a distinct variety, the Red 

 Racer, Z. flagelliforviis frenatum, which is ruddy 

 brown above and coral pink on the abdomen. 



The Coach-Whip Snake and all its phases are quick, 

 nervous serpents, feeding upon small mammals and 

 birds. They are too high-strung to endure captivity 

 for more than a few months. Even more slender is 

 the Striped Racer, Z. tecniatus, figured among the 

 illustrations. Texas and the Southwest form the hab- 

 itat. 



Spilotes, containing but a few, though large and fine 

 species, inhabiting southern North America, INIexico, 

 Central America and South America, approaches 

 Zamensis in most of its characters. The anal plate, 

 however, is single. The species have either smooth or 

 keeled scales ; they look much like the racers. The only 

 North American representative is a variety of a Central 

 and South American form. It is restricted to the south- 



