Coachwhip Snake
Coachwhip snakes are large non-venomous colubrid snakes found widely in the United States and in Mexico’s northern half. It is one of the largest snake species found in North America. They are known to be extremely swift. There are seven subspecies of coachwhip snake.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Subphylum | Vertebrata |
Class | Reptilia |
Order | Squamata |
Suborder | Serpentes |
Family | Colubridae |
Subfamily | Colubrinae |
Genus | Masticophis |
Scientific Name | Masticophis flagellum |
Other Names | Whip Snake |
Length | 127 to 235 cm ; largest specimen : 259 cm |
Weight | Around 1.2 to 1.8 kg |
Color | Vary widely in color from light brown with dark brown spots to pink |
Distribution | Southern United States, Mexico’s northern half |
Habitat | Sandy soil areas, open pine forests, sandhill scrub, old fields prairies, coastal dunes |
Diet | Small rodents, amphibians, birds and birds eggs, lizards, insects, spiders, other snakes including venomous ones |
Hibernation Fact | Hibernates during winter months |
Predators | Hawks, Roadrunners |
Venom Fact | Non-venomous |
Breeding Season | Early to middle of spring |
Mode of Reproduction | Oviparous(egg laying) |
Clutch Size | 12 to 18 eggs |
Incubation Period | 6 to 12 weeks |
Average Lifespan | In wild:15 or more years In captivity: 20.2 years (average) |
IUCN Conservation Status | Least Concern |
I spotted what appeared to be one of these Pink Coachwhip snakes in our front yard. I was about 4 – 5 feet in length with alternate irregular light pink and grayish bands its full length. When I approached, it slithered off toward a large geranium cluster and hid from site. I could still see part of its back and its head trough the foliage.