Striped Racer

Range

This species is endemic to the desert, coast and foothills of California.

Habitats

The striped racer is diurnal and inhabits open desert, pine forest California oak woodland, chaparral and open landscape habitats. It feeds on lizards, snakes, small mammals and birds. The females lay eggs late in the spring season or early in the summer and the eggs hatch in two to three months.

Identification

The striped racer or Masticophis lateralis has a total length that ranges from 3.0-3.9 feet. Slender in size, this species has a yellowish stripe along each side of the body against a dark brown or black back.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians