Body
- A leathery egg was my home base.
- But now I’ve hatched from its embrace.
- Insects and rodents are what I chase.
- As I race from place to place.
Image
Credit
MDC
Right to Use
Photo by MDC, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation
Image
Credit
MDC
Right to Use
Photo by MDC, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation
Image
Image
Body
Eastern Yellow-Bellied Racer
In August and September, baby eastern yellow-bellied racers hatch out of leathery eggs. The 10-inch hatchlings have tan bodies with dark-brown stripes. As they grow, the stripes disappear and their backs turn bluish-black. Baby racers eat insects. Older snakes add rodents, lizards, birds, and even other snakes to the menu. As their name suggests, racers slither swiftly to catch prey and escape predators. They are found statewide in prairies, pastures, and forest edges.
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This Issue's Staff
Artist - Alexis (AJ) Joyce
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Designer – Les Fortenberry
Art Director – Cliff White
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Laura Scheuler
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Designer – Les Fortenberry
Art Director – Cliff White
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Laura Scheuler
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber