![]() Variation exists among age classes, however, with depleted values of δ 15N for large juveniles, indicating that they occupy a dietary niche unique from either hatchlings or adults. constrictor foxii appears to follow a dietary pattern typical of an opportunistic predator. constrictor foxii showed differences in standard morphometric data between age classes but not sexes. I used a Bayesian mixing model to determine the potential sources of δ 13C and δ 15N in the snake tissues. I performed x 2 analyses to investigate patterns in morphometric data and multiple-way ANOVA to investigate differences in the isotope signatures of individual snakes between seasons, tissue types, sexes, and size classes. In addition to obtaining gut and fecal contents, I employed stable isotope analyses using δ 13C and δ 15N to describe the dietary niche breadth of C. Additionally, this information is available from gut and fecal content only. The dietary information on Blue Racers (Coluber constrictor foxii) is limited, and little is known about ontogenetic or seasonal differences in the prey species consumed. Within this clade, the genus Coluber includes wide-ranging, actively foraging snakes that have been historically labeled as dietary generalists. Among reptiles, the niche breadth of many species of snakes is relatively understudied. During the chilling winter months they hibernate together across the rocky mountains.The trophic niche width of a species varies depending on the foraging strategy employed by the individuals within a population.The Blue Racers also vibrate their tails uniquely creating a buzzing sound, which warns the other snakes of its type.If disturbed, they will bite immediately.If frightened they will take shelter in trees and bushes.When they are foraging, the blue racers face up, and race faster through the bushes. ![]() The snakes prefer a solitary life and reside in areas that have very little population.They can forage on grounds as well as in trees.Numerous Blue Racers may reside in a single habitat.Being of diurnal nature, the Blue racers are mostly active during the daytime.One can have barely a glimpse of the snake, as it will instantly disappear amidst the grasses and other vegetation in a blink. Thus, they prefer locations with minimum human activities.īlue Racer, as the name itself speaks, is a very fast moving snake, that can race for about seven kilometers in an hour. While the fox snakes preferred barns, garages, porches or foundations of buildings, the blue racers love natural surroundings. ![]() Data from radio telemetry reports that both the blue racers as well as eastern fox snakes used to reside in the same general locations on Pelee Island. Thus, they usually prefer to reside in areas with low population. ![]() The blue racer snakes are comparatively less comfortable with human beings. READ MORE: Pet Snakes Behavior Blue Racer Snake – Photo by: Brian Stansberry Till date, the largest specimen, captured on Pelee island was 138 cm, snout to vent length. The juvenile snakes are grayish in color.īeing the largest snake of Ontario, the blue racer attains a length of 90 cm to 152 cm from snout to vent. The abdomen is either white or pale blue in color, with a prorated anal plate. The large gray snake or the blue racer tend to have smoother scales across the 4-6 feet long body that is usually lighter in color than the head, even though the chin and throat are white in color. By the third season, the pattern is usually visible on the ventral side. The hatchlings as well as the yearlings tend to bear blotches on the back, which gradually become light as soon as they are about three years old. Black masks and comparatively bigger eyes are the unique features of the race. The rostal (near the snout) scales are brownish to orange in color. The eastern racers are characterized by creamy white scales on the belly, and pale gray or candid blue lateral scales, while their dorsum portion (upper side) is brown or dark gray in color. ![]()
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