Other Names: Prairie Runner, Central Coachwhip
Scientific Name: Coluber flagellum
(Formerly: Masticophis flagellum)
Family: Colubridae
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
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
Habitat
- Grasslands
- Savannas
- Scrubland
- Sagebrush prairies
- Arid climates
Diet
- Small mammals
- Reptiles
- Small turtles
- Birds
- Bird eggs
- Insects
Range Map
Most common range within the last 50 years and does not include outliers. For more info email researchers email.