The subspecific name priapus refers to the proximal spines of the hemipenes being much enlarged into basal hooks, which is characteristic of this subspecies.

[citation needed] Members of this species generally do not tolerate handling – even after months in captivity – and typically strike and flail wildly every time they are handled, often defecating a foul-smelling musk, a common defense against predators in snakes.

[citation needed] Adults of the species are usually thin with a jet-black dorsal side with a grey belly and white chin.

[2] The southern black racer is a predator that relies on lizards, insects, moles, birds, eggs, small snakes, rodents, and frogs.

The southern black racer can be mistaken for a cottonmouth – a venomous snake more commonly called a water moccasin.