There are blue racer snakes in Missouri, but they are more commonly known as yellow-bellied racers. These snakes belong to the species Coluber constrictor flaviventris. They are often referred to as blue racers due to their vibrant blue-gray coloration.
Blue racers are non-venomous and can grow to be quite large, with adults reaching lengths of up to 6 feet. They are known for their speed and agility, and are considered one of the fastest snakes in North America. Blue racers have a slender, elongated body and a pointed head, which allows them to move quickly through their habitats.
In Missouri, blue racers can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, open woodlands, and agricultural areas. They are particularly common in the central and eastern parts of the state. Blue racers are active during the day and are usually seen basking in the sun or hunting for prey.
Their diet primarily consists of small vertebrates, such as rodents, birds, lizards, and frogs. Blue racers are known for their ability to constrict their prey, which helps them subdue and consume their meals. They are fast and agile hunters, using their speed to catch their prey.
Another common snake species in Missouri is the eastern coachwhip, scientifically known as Masticophis flagellum flagellum. Coachwhips are slender, non-venomous snakes that can grow up to 6 feet in length. They have a whip-like tail and are known for their speed and agility, much like blue racers.
Eastern coachwhips are abundant in Missouri and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, open woodlands, and marshy areas. They are excellent climbers and can often be seen basking on tree branches or fences. Coachwhips are diurnal and are most active during the warmer months.
Their diet mainly consists of small vertebrates, such as rodents, birds, and lizards. Coachwhips are known for their ability to subdue their prey by whipping it with their tail, hence their name. They are incredibly fast and can reach speeds of up to 10 miles per hour when chasing down their prey.
While blue racers are a common species of snake in Missouri, they are more commonly referred to as yellow-bellied racers. Eastern coachwhips are also abundant in the state. Both species are non-venomous and known for their speed and agility. If you come across these snakes in Missouri, it is best to admire them from a distance and allow them to go about their natural behaviors in their native habitats.