# Coachwhip (*Masticophis flagellum*) The Coachwhip is a fast and slender snake that loves to run! They are great at catching their food and are very active. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 10 - **Habitat:** Open fields and scrublands - **Also known as:** Masticophis, Whip Snake ![Coachwhip](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426727/objects/5692.jpg) ## Appearance The Coachwhip is a slender, fast-moving snake with a distinct small head and large eyes. Its coloring is highly variable, ranging from light tan, yellow, or pinkish to dark brown or black, often appearing darker near the head and fading towards the tail. The long, whip-like tail has smooth scales that resemble a braided whip. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Serpentes - **Family:** Colubridae - **Genus:** Masticophis ## Interesting facts - Coachwhips are named for their tail, which strikingly resembles a braided leather whip! - Despite their impressive hunting skills, Coachwhips are completely non-venomous. - These clever snakes can climb bushes and small trees to raid bird nests for eggs. - They often bask on roads and rocks, absorbing heat to power their speedy movements. ## Special abilities - **Lightning Speed:** Coachwhip can chase down quick prey because its streamlined body and powerful muscles allow for incredibly fast movement across varied terrain. - **Periscoping Vision:** Coachwhip has large, keen eyes that help them spot movement from a distance, often holding their head high like a periscope. - **Whip-Like Defense:** Coachwhip can deter predators with a unique defensive display, vibrating its tail rapidly and striking, mimicking a venomous snake. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 90-185 cm - **Weight:** 0.2-0.5 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-20 years - **Speed:** 13 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 4-16 - **Incubation:** 45-80 days ## Diet & Feeding Coachwhips are swift hunters that primarily eat small animals, including rodents, lizards, birds, and other snakes. - **Primary Foods:** Rodents, Lizards, Birds, Frogs, Other snakes, Insects - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Deer Mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/deer-mouse) (*Peromyscus maniculatus*) — A common rodent prey item. - **Eats:** [Eastern Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus undulatus*) — A frequent meal in dry habitats. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — Young coachwhips are vulnerable to them. - **Hunts:** [Timber Rattlesnake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/timber-rattlesnake) (*Crotalus horridus*) — Known to actively hunt other snakes. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Coachwhip? Compare the full body pattern, build, head markings and tail. Color can shift with age and lighting. Rules of thumb about triangular heads or round pupils aren't a reliable way to tell whether a snake is venomous. Snake Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Coachwhip? 90-185 cm ### How much does Coachwhip weigh? 0.2-0.5 kg ### How long does Coachwhip live? 10-20 years ### How fast can Coachwhip move? 13 km/h ### What does Coachwhip eat? Coachwhips are swift hunters that primarily eat small animals, including rodents, lizards, birds, and other snakes. ### Where is Coachwhip usually found? Open fields and scrublands ### How does Coachwhip hunt? Pursuit ## Where to spot - [Clayton Public Schools Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/clayton-public-schools-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Mesilla Plaza](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mesilla-plaza) — New Mexico, US · Park - [Rodman Mountains](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/rodman-mountains) — California, US · Natural Landmark - [Shackelford County Courthouse Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/shackelford-county-courthouse-historic-district) — Texas, US · Historic District - [Dundy County Courthouse](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/dundy-county-courthouse) — Nebraska, US · Historic Site - [Kentucky Camp](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kentucky-camp) — Arizona, US · Historic Site [View all places to see Coachwhip](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/coachwhip) ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Coachwhip: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coachwhip)