![]() ![]() The blue racer is an active forager and despite their scientific name, it isn't really a constrictor. Coluber constrictor (North American Racer) diet. 2012 Coluber constrictor helvigularis AUFFENBERG, 1955. Due to their aggressive nature they are not good snakes. Coluber constrictor foxii TENNANT & BARTLETT 2000: 328 Coluber constrictor foxii CROTHER et al. The juvenile blue racers eat crickets and other insects such as spiders or worms, adult snakes feed mainly on small rodents, frogs, birds and other smaller snakes such as the ringneck snake. These snakes are not picky eaters and will readily eat mice, locusts, lizards and frogs in captivity. Some of the large birds of prey like the red-tailed hawk, northern harrier, and great horned owl are amongst its predators but they are also preyed on by coyotes, foxes, raccoons, dogs and feral house cats or wild cats. They have smooth scales, large eyes, and a brownish orange snout. Unlike adult blue racers, hatchlings and juvenile snakes display dorsal blotches that will eventually fade away by their 3rd year. The blue racer snake, Coluber constrictor foxii, is one of eleven recognized subspecies of the Coluber constrictor, the eastern racer snake, known to be endemic to North America and Central America. The underbelly color is a creamy white, the backside varies from a brilliant blue (hence their common name) to a dull gray and they have light brown to gray dorsum. The dietary information on Blue Racers (Coluber constrictor foxii) is limited, and little is known about ontogenetic or seasonal differences in the prey species. Their length ranges between 35 to 60 inches (90 to 152 cm) and it's one of the largest snakes found in Ontario. We usually catch only a glimpse of them as they disappear quickly through the vegetation. When threatened, they vibrate their tails to make a buzzing sound that works as a warning and for that reason are often mistaken for rattlesnakes. Even though they are non-venomous, they are still very capable of inflicting a painful bite if cornered. As rodents comprise a small portion of the Racer diet, this threat may be limited to larger adults capable of ingesting larger prey items. When hunting they hold up their heads up and move very fast through brushes using their keen eyesight. The blue racer will try to escape into the bush and may even climb into low bushes or small trees if threatened. ![]() They are active during daytime and prefer to spend most of their time on the ground, but are known to forage both on ground and trees. The blue racers are known to hibernate in large groups during the cold winter months. Coluber constrictor foxii, commonly known as the blue racer, is a subspecies of Coluber constrictor, a species of nonvenomous, colubrid snakes commonly referred to as the eastern racers. This speed helps them catch prey or avoid being preyed upon. The species lifespan in the wild ranges from 15 to 20 years. As their common name suggests, the blue racer is a very fast snake that can move at speeds of almost 7 Km or 4,3 mph, even so far from the lightning speed of the highly venomous black mamba. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |