Types of racers

Incaspis is a genus in the family Colubridae, the largest and most diverse snake family in the world. Colubrids account for the majority of snake species, and they are best understood as the broad catch-all of slender, agile, mostly harmless snakes that do not belong to the cobra, viper, or boa lineages. Incaspis is one of many such colubrid genera, set apart by anatomical and genetic features that herpetologists use to define it. Our database holds 3 species in this group, including Schmidt's Green Racer and Simon's Racer.

The genus is associated with western South America and the Andean region, where many small colubrids occupy mountain slopes, valleys, scrubland, and the edges of forest. Snakes like these tend to favor habitats with good ground cover, sun for warming, and prey to hunt. Members of small, regionally restricted genera like Incaspis are often poorly studied compared to common backyard snakes, so the most honest picture comes from the patterns shared across their colubrid relatives and their part of the world rather than from detailed records on each species.

In general terms, the racers and similar colubrids in this part of the family are recognized by a slim build, smooth or lightly keeled scales, large eyes with round pupils, and a long tapering tail. The name racer points to the active, alert, day-hunting lifestyle these snakes lead. Color varies by species, and the common names in this genus, such as the green racer, reflect the kinds of ground and vegetation tones that help these snakes stay hidden while they move.

On safety: the great majority of colubrids are harmless to people, and many that do produce mild venom are rear-fanged, meaning any venom-delivering teeth sit at the back of the mouth and are used to subdue small prey, not as a defense against humans. The specific venom status of Incaspis is not well documented, so the responsible approach is to treat any wild snake as something to observe and not to handle. Do not pick up a wild snake to test whether it is dangerous. If a bite happens or you are unsure about a snake, contact emergency services, or in the United States call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Ecologically, small Andean and South American colubrids of this type typically feed on prey they can overpower, such as lizards, frogs, small rodents, and sometimes the eggs or young of other animals, with diet shifting by species and size. Like most colubrids in their region, they are expected to reproduce by laying eggs, and they spend their active hours hunting and basking before retreating to cover. They are a working part of their ecosystem, helping control populations of the small animals they eat.