Running head: INFORMATIVE SPEECH

Informative Speech (The Black Racer Snake)

Student's name

Institutional affiliation

Date
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Informative Speech (The Black Racer Snake)

Biology

The Black Racer snake (Coluber constrictor priapus), also known as called Coluber

constrictor priapusis a reptile which is usually active during the day, and it moves very fast. The

snake exterior features include a black dorsal side White him, and a grey belly (Laurence,

1974). The snakes are considered as color blind, and when they are adults, they can reach an

approximate length of 70 inches. The Black Racer snake sheds its skin once a year (Willson,

2017). Although their scientific name states the word 'constrictor' the sake does not coil around

its prey. The Black Racer is one of the distinctive non-venomous snakes existing in the southern

United States

Habitat

The snake is normally found in the southern United States in areas that are majorly

wooded such as forest areas, thickets, brushes, and big gardens in suburban yards. The snake

vibrates its tail in thick grass sounding like a rattlesnake; thus defending itself from potential

danger (Willson, 2017). The Black Racers usually rests or sleeps in a ‘kink’ position in wooded

areas, thus looking like a fallen branch. The position provides additional protection against

predators.

Behavior

The snake can move very fast, and it’s an excellent swimmer and climber. The snake

bites its prey when it is confronted by the same; however, it's non-venomous (Willson, 2017).

When a prey faces the Black Racer it usually flees; thus, many consider it as a domestic animal,
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though violent in its nature. Humans are the greatest threat to these snakes since they are mostly

killed out of fear as they resemble a poisonous snake known as Water Moccasin. Hawks and

other large birds, also pause as threats to the Black Racer (Plummer and Congdon, 1994).

Diet

The black racer feeds on small animals such as moles, smaller snakes, birds, and lizards,

rodents, insects (Willson, 2017). The snake suffocates its preys and crushes them on the surface

of the ground. They have a big appetite and usually attack both in water and land. The Black

Racer is significant since it gets rid of detrimental animals in suburban gardens.

Reproductive

The Black Racer breeds during the summer and spring months, and they lay up to 20

eggs. They usually don’t take care of their young; thus the young depend on camouflage to

survive in the unpredictable environment (Willson, 2017). The young usually look different from

the adults.

Conclusion

The Black Racer snake boats numerous features and like any other snake it does not take

care of its young. The snake boasts a big appetite, which is important for gardens in the suburbs

since they get rid of small animals that feed on crops.

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References

Palmer, E. Laurence, ed. (1974). Fieldbook of Natural History (2 ed.). McGraw Hill. ISBN 0-07-

048425-

Plummer, M. V., and J. D. Congdon (1994). Radiotelemetric study of activity and movements of

racers (Coluber constrictor) associated with a Carolina bay in South Carolina. Copeia 20-

26.

Willson, J. (2017). Species Profile: Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) | SREL

Herpetology. Srelherp.uga.edu. Retrieved 29 May 2017, from

http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/colcon.htm
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Outline

Topic: Southern Black Racer

General Purpose: To Inform

Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about Southern Black Racer living in the state of

Florida.

Thesis: the southern black racer is one of the distinctive non-venomous snakes existing in the

southern United States.

Preview: I will discuss features of the southern black racer including its habitat, behavior, diet,

and reproductive.

INTRODUCTION

Attention Getter: the southern black racer is a distinctive snake that boasts that improves

gardens in the suburbs since it removes animals that ruin gardens.

Purpose: To inform my audience about Southern Black Racer.

Importance to Audience: The southern black racers are usually active during the day and are

fast.

Thesis Statement: the southern black racer is one of the distinctive non-venomous snakes

existing in the southern United States.

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BODY

I. First Main Point: The Black Racer snake (Coluber constrictor priapus), also known as

called Coluber constrictor priapusis a reptile which is usually active during the day, and it moves

very fast.

A. Subpoint: The snake boasts exterior features that make it distinct.

II. Second Main Point: Habitat

The snake is normally found in the southern United States in areas that are majorly wooded.

A. Subpoint: Defense mechanism.

III. Third Main Point: The behavior of the snake includes climbing and swimming.

A. Subpoint: majorly killed by humans

B. Subpoint: Hawks and other lager birds also acts as predators.

IV. Fourth Main Point: The Black Racer feeds on animals smaller than its size.

A. Subpoint: They boast a big appetite

V. Fifth Main Point: The reproduction of the Black Racer includes laying up to 20 eggs

A. Subpoint: lack of care for the young.

CONCLUSION

Summary Statement: The Black Racer is a non-venomous snake that is usually found in the

southern United States. It lives in wooded and grassy areas. It boasts different defense

mechanisms including vibrating its tail. It feeds on small animals and lays up to 20 eggs.
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Concluding Remarks: The Black Racer snake boats numerous features and like any other snake

it does not take care of its young. The snake boasts a big appetite, which is important for gardens

in the suburbs since they get rid of small animals that feed on crops.