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Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum is found is found in the southern half of the U.S., and the northern 2/3rds of Mexico. Open hillsides, dry sand, prairies, oak and pine woodlands, grassy areas, dunes, and scrub. Not found above 2150m altitude.
 

Coachwhip
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.

Reproduction
In the U.S. M. flagellum reproduces once per year. Mating occurs in the spring, and females lay a clutch of 4-16 eggs in June or July. The young hatch from the granular-surfaced eggs in 6-11 weeks. Hatchlings are 30-40 cm long.

Behavior
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 .

Food Habits
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.

 

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