Masticophis flagellum is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake, commonly referred to as the coachwhip or the whip snake, which is endemic to the United States and Mexico. Six subspecies are recognized, including the nominotypical subspecies.

Taxonomy

Etymology

The generic name, Masticophis, is derived from Greek mastix, meaning "whip", and ophis, meaning "snake", in reference to the braided appearance of the tail. The subspecific name, ruddocki, is in honor of Dr. John C. Ruddock who was medical director for the Richfield Oil Corporation.

Subspecies

Six subspecies of Masticophis flagellum are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies. Nota bene: A trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the subspecies was originally described in a genus other than Masticophis.

Description

Coachwhips are thin-bodied snakes with small heads and large eyes with round pupils. They vary greatly in color, but most reflect a proper camouflage for their natural habitat. M. f. testaceus is typically a shade of light brown with darker brown flecking, but in the western area of Texas, where the soil color is a shade of pink, the coachwhips are also pink in color. M. f. piceus was given its common name because specimens frequently, but not always, have some red in their coloration. Coachwhip scales are patterned so at first glance, the snake appears braided. Subspecies can be difficult to distinguish in areas where their ranges overlap. Adult sizes of 127 - 183 cm in total length (including tail) are common. The record sized specimen, of the eastern coachwhip race, was 259 cm in total length. Young specimens, mostly just over 100 cm in length, were found to have weighed 180 to 675 g, whereas good-sized mature adults measuring 163 to 235 cm weighed 1.2 to 1.8 kg.

Distribution and habitat

Coachwhips range throughout the southern United States from coast to coast. They are also found in the northern half of Mexico. Coachwhips are commonly found in open areas with sandy soil, open pine forests, old fields, and prairies. They thrive in sandhill scrub and coastal dunes. However, they prefer oak savannas in eastern Texas.

Behavior

Coachwhips are diurnal, and actively hunt and eat lizards, small birds, and rodents. They do not discriminate prey size, as they are opportunistic hunters. They have been described as "sit-and-wait" predators or ambush hunters. Coachwhips subdue prey by grasping and holding them with their jaws and do not use constriction. They tend to be sensitive to potential threats, and often bolt at the first sign of one, and will readily strike if cornered. Their bites can be painful, but generally are harmless unless they become infected, as is the case with any wound. They are curious snakes with good eyesight, and are sometimes seen raising their heads above the level of the grass or rocks to see what is around them. They are extremely fast-moving snakes, able to move up to 4 miles per hour.

Myths

The primary myth concerning coachwhips, that they chase people, likely arises from the snake and the person both being frightened, and both just happening to be going the same way to escape. Coachwhips are fast snakes, often moving faster than a human, and thus give an impression of aggression should they move toward the person. The legend of the hoop snake may refer to the coachwhip snakes.

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