Species profile
Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
At a glance
Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 14,868 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Texas, California, and Arizona the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- One of North America's longest snakes, with some individuals exceeding 8 feet.
- Completely non-venomous; it subdues prey by constriction or simply swallowing it alive.
- Named for its slender, braided-looking tail that resembles a leather coaching whip.
- Actively hunts during midday heat when most other snakes seek shade.
- Eyesight is exceptionally sharp for a snake, helping it spot prey while moving at speed.
Where Coachwhip are seen
Background
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. Seven subspecies are recognized, including the nominotypical subspecies.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Coachwhip article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other reptiles on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.