Western Racer
(Coluber mormon)
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Western Racer (Coluber mormon) |
Color Photograph: Chris Brown, U.S. Geological Survey
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Charina bottae A rounder and chunkier looking species than the Western Racer. The eyes are small and the scales around the mouth and at the back of the head are small.
Coluber constrictor The Eastern Racer is found in the eastern half of the United States. The distributions of the two species supposedly do not overlap.
Western Racer (Coluber mormon) Identification: Snake 20 to 36 inches in length. A slender and fast moving animal. This species is almost characterized by having no stripes, bars, or other maculation (although see the description of the young given below. Color variable; brown, olive, or bluish. Underside white, gray, or yellow. Lower preocular scale triangular and wedged between two upper labial scales. Scales smooth and anal plate divided. Young: Typically light gray with large dark brown or dark gray spots, spots typically fading out and color darkening as the snake matures. Geographical Variation: None Range (see map on left): The Western Racer is a species primarily of the western United States. The ranges extends into south-central British Columbia in the north and eastward into western Montana. The species occurs in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, northern Nevada, and northern and central California. In the east this snake is found in northern Utah and western Colorado. There are isolated populations in Texas and Arizona whose status (Western Racer or Eastern Racer) has not yet been definitively determined. Habitat: The Western Racer prefers open, drier habitats including prairies, brushy flats, open chaparral, and pinyon-juniper woodlands. Food: Prey consists of a wide variety of groups including insects, lizards, frogs, and small mammals. Behavior: A rapid and agile snake. This species is diurnal and is commonly seen sunning itself near logs and rocks in open areas. It is most often seen on the ground, although it is known to climb trees and bushes. Reproduction: The clutch consists of 3 to 7 eggs. The eggs hatch in between June and August.
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Western Racer (Coluber mormon)
Similar Species: The lack of bands, stripes, or saddles should separate the Western Racer from other western snake species. Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) Eastern Racer (Coluber constrictor) |
Similar Species:
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