Description: At an adult length of 3 feet this is the smallest of the racers. It is also the darkest in color. In its Texas range it is olive on the sides, grayish brown dorsally and cream to pale yellow ventrally. The hatchlings are lighter than the adults and usually strongly patterned dorsally with darker crossbars. Scales are smooth, in 17 rows to and beyond midbody, and 15 rows posteriorly. Anal scale is divided. Pupil round.

Habitat: May be seen in a variety of habitats from field, meadows, and pastures to woodland edges and brushlands. Also many frequent suburban parks, refuges, lots and yards.

Range: This subspecies ranges as far north as the United States in southern Texas.

Found in these States: TX

Diet: Primarily feeds on lizards, frogs, baby turtles, small snakes, and the nestlings of ground dwelling birds or mammals

Reproduction: The mating season for racer snakes is April to June of each year. During this time, they may seem more visible than during other months or seasons. Juveniles hatch in early fall, after which they are often seen.

Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Taxonomy: