Genus · Colubridae
Types of racers
2 species make up the genus Drymoluber, the snakes commonly called racers. None are considered dangerous to humans.
About tropical racers
Drymoluber is a small genus of fast, ground-dwelling South American racers in the colubrid family.
Drymoluber is a genus of slender, alert, day-active snakes in the family Colubridae, the largest and most varied snake family on Earth. The genus holds only a couple of recognized species, including the Northern Woodland Racer and the Brazilian Woodland Racer, both native to South America. As colubrids of this type, they are typical "racers" in build and behavior: long-bodied, smooth-scaled, large-eyed, and built for speed on the forest floor rather than for constriction or ambush.
These snakes live across forested and wooded parts of tropical South America, including portions of the Amazon basin and adjacent woodland and savanna edges. They are mainly terrestrial and are most active during the day, moving quickly through leaf litter and low vegetation as they hunt. In general terms you would recognize a member of this genus as a moderate-sized, agile snake with a fairly uniform body and the quick, nervous demeanor common to racers, rather than a thick-bodied, slow, or heavily patterned snake. Exact coloration and markings vary by species and age, so identification to species should rely on a regional guide rather than a single rule.
Members of Drymoluber are not considered dangerous to people. They are non-venomous colubrids that subdue prey by overpowering it rather than by injecting venom, and they feed on small ground prey such as lizards, frogs, and similar animals; like most colubrids they lay eggs. As with any wild snake, the responsible approach is to observe and not handle, since a nervous racer may bite defensively even though it poses no medical threat. If anyone is ever bitten by a snake they cannot confidently identify and symptoms or concern follow, contact emergency services or US Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 rather than waiting.
Drymoluber belongs to the Colubridae family (Colubrids). The largest snake family, and the one most snakes you meet belong to. Typically round pupils, a head only slightly wider than the neck, and no heat-sensing facial pit or rattle. Scales may be smooth and glossy or keeled and matte depending on the species.
Danger: Almost all colubrids are harmless. A small number are rear-fanged with medically significant venom, the boomslang and the twig (vine) snakes of Africa being the dangerous exceptions. Most colubrids will flee or bluff rather than bite.
All species (2)
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