How the Blue Racer Snake Lives Up to Its Name

Blue racer snakes (Coluber constrictor foxii) are slender, fast-moving snakes that can grow up to 4 to 6 feet (1.2 - 1.8 meters) in length.

Adult blue racers are known for their distinctive blue or bluish-gray coloration, which gives them their name. Their underbellies are usually white or light gray, providing a striking contrast to their darker dorsal side.

They have smooth scales, a white-goldish face mask, and large, round eyes that are well-adapted for spotting prey. The anal plate of the blue racer is divided, a characteristic that helps distinguish it from other snakes in the region, such as the fox snakes.

While the blue racer is a subspecies of the eastern racer (Coluber constrictor), it is one of the most distinctive due to its unique coloration and regional adaptations. The blue racer is primarily found in areas like northern Indiana, northern Michigan and the most southern tip of Canada, particularly on Pelee Island in Lake Erie.

Unlike other subspecies of racers that may be brown or black, the blue racer’s vibrant color and larger size make it easily recognizable.

Blue racer snakes are solitary creatures, spending most of their time alone except during the breeding season. These snakes are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.

Blue racers are known for their incredible speed and agility, which they use to escape predators and chase down prey. When threatened, they may vibrate their tails in dry leaves, mimicking the sound of a rattlesnake as a defensive tactic.

However, blue racers are more likely to flee than to stand their ground, relying on their speed to avoid confrontation.

Blue racer snakes are carnivorous and have a diverse diet that includes small mammals, birds, frogs, insects and other snakes.

They are particularly adept at hunting in open areas, where they can use their speed to chase down fast-moving prey. Unlike constrictors, blue racers subdue their prey by grasping it with their jaws and quickly swallowing it whole.

In addition to hunting on the ground, blue racers are excellent climbers and will sometimes raid bird nests to feed on eggs or nestlings. Their diet helps control populations of rodents and other small animals, making them an important part of the ecosystem.

Blue racer habitat includes a variety of open environments, such as grasslands, savannas and edge habitats near forests. They are often found in areas with a mix of open space and cover, which provides them with places to hunt and hide.

In northern Indiana, northern Michigan and the southernmost tip of Canada, including Pelee Island, these snakes thrive in environments that offer both sun and shade. They are particularly fond of areas with loose soil or leaf litter, which they use to hide from predators and to ambush prey.

A covered and protected environment is essential for their survival, as it provides shelter from predators and harsh weather conditions.

The life cycle of blue racer snakes begins in the spring when mating takes place. Female snakes lay clutches of 5 to 25 eggs in a concealed location, such as under logs, in sandy soil or within leaf litter. The eggs hatch after about two months, usually in late summer or early fall. When the babies hatch, they are independent and must fend for themselves from the start.

Young blue racers are typically darker in color than adults, often with a more brownish hue, and gradually develop their characteristic blue coloration as they mature. These snakes reach sexual maturity at around 2 to 3 years of age.

Blue racer snakes are not currently listed as endangered, but they face threats from habitat loss, road mortality and human persecution. The decline of suitable habitats — particularly in areas like northern Indiana and northern Michigan — has led to a reduction in their populations.

On Pelee Island in Lake Erie, blue racers are considered a species of concern due to their limited range and the pressures from habitat fragmentation. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring the natural habitats that these reptiles rely on, as well as raising awareness about the importance of blue racers in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.