Masticophis flagellum
coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum is found is found in the southern half of the U.S., and the northern 2/3rds of Mexico (King 1979).

Open hillsides, dry sand, prairies, oak and pine woodlands, grassy areas, dunes, and scrub. Not found above 2150m altitude (King 1979, Stebbins 1985)

This is a long, slender snake with smooth scales. The dorsal coloration in the adult varies from shades of tan, grey, pink, and red. Thin, white crossbars or blotches are found on the dorsal area behind the black or brown neck. The ventral surface is usually a tan to pinkish. Juveniles have tan, brown, or black transverse bands. In hatchlings the black neck is absent. The adult length ranges from 91.4-259 cm. The large eyes have round pupils, and are protected by supraocular scales. It has 17 dorsal scale rows at midbody, and a divided anal plate.(King 1979)

Coachwhips are fast and agile, diurnal foragers. While hunting they hold the head and neck raised above the ground. They use scent trailing as well as vision to seek out prey. When confronted by a potential enemy they will normally flee, but if this is not feasible, then they will coil up, hissing loudly and vibrating the tail, and may strike repeatedly (King 1979, Stebbins 1985).

Preys on birds, rodents, lizards, other snakes(including rattlesnakes), small turtles, bird eggs, and insects. It hunts with its head raised above the ground, and will eat several small rodents during one feeding. It feeds approximately every five days. (Barker 1964)

These are active, aggressive snakes, and will bite if handled. They are not venomous.

Coachwhips include pest rodents and venomous snakes in their diet.

One subspecies, the San Joaquin whipsnake (Masticophis flagellum ruddocki) has been listed by the California Department of Fish and Game as a "Species of Special Concern" (California Dept. of Fish and Game 2001)

This species can grow to be one of the largest snakes in the United States. It is a very active animal, and does not do well in captivity. The Coachwhip derived its name in part to the appearance of its tapered tail which is similar to that of a braided whip. In popular folklore, the Coachwhip was thought to wrap itself around a person and lash out with its tail, administering powerful beating whiplike movements. Following these actions it would place the edge of its tail into the nose of the victim to differentiate whether it was still breathing. There is no evidence to support these beliefs. However, the Coachwhip is known to be a very nervous snake, and will attack repeatedly if cornered.