A long fast-moving non-venomous snake — up to 8 feet — with a distinctive two-tone color: dark brown head and forequarters fading to lighter brown or tan tail. Among the fastest North American snakes.

Also called: Coachwhip, Eastern Coachwhip

Native status: Native to southeastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 110–215 cm (43–85 in); maximum 260 cm
Weight250–1,200 g
LifespanWild typically 7–13 years; captive 16
OrderSquamata
FamilyColubridae

§ Encyclopedia

Masticophis flagellum is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake, commonly referred to as the coachwhip, whip snake or the red racer. It is endemic to the United States and Mexico. Three subspecies are recognized. It is listed as a species of Least Concern by the ICUN.

Source: Wikipedia — Masticophis flagellum Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Very long slender snake with distinctive two-tone coloration: dark brown or black anteriorly fading to light brown or pinkish tan posteriorly; tail scales arranged in cross-hatched "braided whip" pattern.

Similar species. Black Racer (uniform glossy black). Pine Snake (much heavier, blotched). Indigo Snake (uniformly blue-black).

Voice. Hisses defensively; sometimes vibrates tail.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Lizards, rodents, small birds, small snakes (including venomous), insects.

Behavior. Largest native US snake by length (only Eastern Indigo Snake rivals it). Among the fastest US snakes. Diurnal, active even in midsummer heat. Folk myth: "the coachwhip whips its victims to death with its tail." Completely false — the tail does superficially resemble a braided coach whip (scales arranged in cross-hatched pattern) and the snake is long and slender like a whip, hence the name.

§ Range

Southern US from coast to coast, into Mexico

§ Habitat

Open pine woodlands, sandhills, scrub, grasslands

§ Threats

Habitat loss, vehicle strikes, persecution despite being non-venomous.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern coachwhip is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain longleaf pine and sandhill habitats. Don't kill snakes. Drive carefully on rural roads.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Davidson College Department of Biology
  • Virginia Herpetological Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2007