PropertyValue
rdfs:label
  • Coluber constrictor priapus
rdfs:comment
  • The Southern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) is one of the more common subspecies of nonvenomous snakes in the Southeastern United States. The name priapus refers to the proximal spines of the hemipenes being much enlarged into basal hooks, which is characteristic of this subspecies. These snakes are quite active during the day, which increases the chance of sightings. They will eat almost any animal they can overpower, including, rodents, frogs, toads, and lizards. They have been known to charge at people in an attempt to frighten them, but will usually retreat – if challenged. Members of this species generally do not tolerate handling – even after months in captivity – and will typically strike and flail wildly every time they are handled. These snakes are usually thin with a j
dcterms:subject
Familia
  • Colubridae
Name
  • Southern Black Racer
subordo
dbkwik:reptiles/property/wikiPageUsesTemplate
ordo
Species
  • C. constrictor
Genus
  • Coluber
trinomial
  • Coluber constrictor priapus
trinomial authority
  • Dunn & Wood, 1939
Image width
  • 250
classis
Phylum
subspecies
  • C. c. priapus
regnum
  • Animalia
abstract
  • The Southern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) is one of the more common subspecies of nonvenomous snakes in the Southeastern United States. The name priapus refers to the proximal spines of the hemipenes being much enlarged into basal hooks, which is characteristic of this subspecies. These snakes are quite active during the day, which increases the chance of sightings. They will eat almost any animal they can overpower, including, rodents, frogs, toads, and lizards. They have been known to charge at people in an attempt to frighten them, but will usually retreat – if challenged. Members of this species generally do not tolerate handling – even after months in captivity – and will typically strike and flail wildly every time they are handled. These snakes are usually thin with a jet black dorsal side with a grey belly and white chin. They are quite fast, giving rise to the name "racer".