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Red Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum piceus)
Red Coachwhip Photograph by Chris Brown. License: Public Domain. (view image details) 
Red Coachwhip Photograph by Chris Brown. License: Public Domain. (view image details)
RED COACHWHIP FACTS
DescriptionThe Red Coachwhip is a slender snake and is highly variable in color. The back color can be tan, grey, red, or pink with bold black or brown crossbars or blotches. The head and neck have black markings. The underside is pink. The eyes are large with round pupils. Juveniles have black, brown or tan transverse bands on lighter background. Hatchlings do not have the black neck markings. The Red Coachwhip is a fast moving diurnal snake. When handled it will bites and twist its body, excreting musk. It is similar in appearance to the Striped Racer (Masticophis lateralis) which has distinct yellow lateral stripes. Other Names Red Racer Size length 62cm - 138 cm Environment open areas in desert, grassland, scrub, and sagebrush, rocky ground. Rests in rodent burrows or under shady vegetation. Avoids densely vegetated areas. Food Eats small mammals, birds, bird eggs, lizards, snakes, amphibians, and carrion Breeding Coachwhips are oviparous. Lays eggs in early summer. Eggs hatch in 45 - 70 days. Range Found in southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and into Sonora and Baja California in Mexico Notes Coachwhips are non-venomous. They can be nervous snakes and will vibrate their tail and strike when threatened, although they will flee if given the opportunity. Classification
Relatives in same Genus Western Coachwhip (M. flagellum testaceus) Schott's Whipsnake (M. schotti schotti) Home | Mammals | Reptiles | Birds | Insects | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact Us |