Northern Black Racer
(Coluber constrictor)
Photo Courtesy of Aaron Greene
The Northern Black Racer is 34 - 77 inches long. They are slate black and have a darker black upper lip. The chin tends to be white. The bellies tend to be white, yellow or dark gray.
Breeding occurs from April to late May. In mid-June to August the female will lay 5 - 28 eggs. Sometimes females will use a communal nest. The eggs are 1 - 2 inches long and are soft and leathery and have a rough texture. The young hatch 6 - 9 weeks later and are 9 -13 inches long.
The Northern Black Racer is diurnal and is often found in empty fields, grasslands and brushy areas. This quick-moving snake can be seen moving over the ground with its head held above the ground to see over the grass and brush. They have been found eating large insects, frogs, toads, salamanders, lizards, snakes, small rodents and small birds. It does not constrict its prey, despite its scientific name. They will hibernate in rocky hillsides and can often be found in large groups and with other species of snakes.