![]() (2008) proposed no taxonomic changes, but suggested that C. However, no Ontario snakes were actually sampled for this study. ![]() (2008) studied the phylogeography of Coluber constrictor using the mtDNA cytochrome b gene, and mapped Ontario racers as belonging to a central clade which has a much larger range than is traditionally attributed to subspecies foxii. ![]() foxii) (Campbell and Perrin 1991 Harding 1997 Mackinnon and Porchuk 2006). Today, many authors accept that the valid Racer subspecies found in Ontario is the Blue Racer ( C. flaviventris) is found in extreme southern Saskatchewan and is also listed by some authors as being present in southern Ontario (NatureServe 2012). mormon (Western Yellow–bellied Racer) occurs west of the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia. Depending on the source consulted two or three subspecies are recognized in Canada. There is still controversy surrounding the taxonomy and geographic distribution of several of these subspecies. Coluber constrictor is a polytypic species with 11 subspecies recognized (NatureServe 2012). Part 2- Eligibility for Ontario status assessment 2.1 Application of eligibility criteria Taxonomic distinctness Outside Ontario, extant populations of the Blue Racer are presently found in Ohio Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa (Harding 1997 COSEWIC 2002, 2012). Coluber constrictor foxii (Blue Racer), the subspecies that occurs in Ontario, was historically distributed from southeastern Minnesota and Iowa east to Ohio and north to extreme southwestern Ontario. NatureServe (2012) suggests the species is common (G5) in the United States. Distribution and status outside Ontario:Ĭoluber constrictor, the Racer, is widespread throughout North America from Maine to British Columbia and south to Florida and northern Guatemala (Campbell and Perrin 1991 Harding 1997). On Pelee Island, the species is restricted to the eastern two thirds of the island. The last reliable record of the Blue Racer in mainland Ontario was 1983 (Campbell & Perrin 1991). ![]() Although formerly present in Point Pelee National Park and Pinery Provincial Park in extreme southwestern Ontario, the Blue Racer is almost certainly extirpated from all mainland sites, despite these being protected areas. SRANK – S1 ( NHIC/NatureServe, accessed ) Distribution in Ontario:Ĭoluber constrictor foxii currently occurs only on Pelee Island (4091 ha) in Ontario. SARA – Endangered (Schedule 1) (Environment Canada, 2012)ĮSA 2007 – Endangered (Ministry of Natural Resources, 2007) NRANK Canada – N1 (Assessed ) (NatureServe, accessed ) GRANK – G5 The subspecies Coluber constrictor foxii occurring in Ontario is ranked G5T5 (NatureServe 2011) (Assessed ) (NatureServe, accessed ) They also thrash around to escape and can unknowingly injure themselves.Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario ( COSSARO) Assessed by COSSARO as Endangeredįinal Part 1- Current status and distribution Current designations: For protection, they release a foul-smelling scent when caught to deter predators. They are fairly nervous snakes, and as such, do not typically fare well in captivity. They generally eat rodents, lizards and frogs, but as juveniles they will also consume various kinds of soft-bodied insects. They are fast moving, and are often quick to bite if handled. Other common names for Coluber constrictor anthicus include the following: ash snake, blue racer, brown racer, Louisiana black snake, spotted black snake, spotted racer, variegated racer, and white oak racer. The buttermilk racer is found only in the United States, in southern Arkansas, Louisiana and southern and eastern Texas. Their underside is white or cream-colored. Its color is a unique pattern of black, greens, yellows, greys and even sometimes blues, flecked with white or yellow. The buttermilk racer is a thin-bodied snake, capable of attaining a total length of 1.52 m (60 inches). Coluber constrictor anthicus, commonly known as the buttermilk racer, is a subspecies of the eastern racer, a non venomous colubrid snake, endemic to the southern United States.
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