Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris)

A close up photo of a n eastern yellow bellied racer
This lightning fast snake can catch even the speediest rodent at Jewel Cave National Monument.

NPS photo

Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer
Coluber constrictor flaviventris
  • A slender, moderately long snake. Adults range from 20 to 65 inches long.
  • This is an active, agile, and speedy snake that uses its speed to capture prey.
  • This snake hunts with its head lifted off the ground.
  • This racer is primarily a ground-dwelling snake but will climb into bushes and trees to hunt.

Identification
  • Its coloration is greenish gray to brown with a pale yellow underbelly.
  • Juveniles are much different in appearance from adults, having a series of reddish-brown spots that run the lenghth of their body.


Diet
  • Their diet consists of small mammals, lizards, insects, and other snakes.
  • This snake is non-venomous and does not kills its prey with constriction.


Interactions with other animals
  • These racers fall prey to foxes, coyotes, weasels, other snakes, and most birds of prey.

Last updated: February 3, 2024

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

11149 U.S. Hwy. 16
Building B12
Custer, SD 57730

Phone:

605 673-8300
The main phone line connects visitors with staff at the visitor center. Throughout the year, the phone line is monitored by staff on a daily basis, excluding holidays and days with limited visitor services. Please be advised that after-hours messages are not taken on the system; visitors are encouraged to call the visitor center during normal operations and speak with a park ranger for assistance.

Contact Us

Tools

Stay Connected