CoachwhipSnake

Coachwhip Snake NONVENOMOUS

Other Names: Prairie Runner, Western or Central Coachwhip
Scientific Name: Coluber flagellum
(Formerly: Masticophis flagellum)
Family: Colubridae
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Description & Size


  • Legless
  • No eyelids
  • Lacks external ears
  • Scales on the back are smooth
  • Relatively large eyes
  • Divided anal scale
  • Total length: 91.0-260.0 cm (35.8-102.4 in)
  • Back color: light brown to reddish brown
  • May or may not have dark colored patterns on the back
  • Juveniles: have dark colored patterns on the back and head

Habitat


  • Grasslands
  • Savannas
  • Scrubland
  • Sagebrush prairies
  • Arid climates

Diet


  • Small mammals
  • Reptiles
  • Small turtles
  • Birds
  • Bird eggs
  • Insects

Life History


  • Diurnal, rarely nocturnal
  • Active season: May – October (Iverson, Young, and Akre, 2008)
  • Breeding season: spring
  • Lays eggs
  • 1-2 clutches of 2-24 eggs per female
CoachwhipSnake range