Racers, Coachwhips, and Whipsnakes | Herps of Texas

Coluber constrictor

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Coluber constrictor

Common Name. Eastern Racer

General information. One of the few truly diurnal snakes in Texas, the slender body and, generally, uniform pattern of C. constrictor make it difficult to catch or even seen when moving through underbrush. Non-venomous, these nervous snakes will not hesitate to bite or strike if captured. The prey of C. constrictor ranges from small mammals to reptiles and amphibians. Insects may also be taken, especially when the snakes are juvenile.

Protected status. The Eastern Racer is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Of the five recognized subspecies of C. constrictor in Texas, some appear quite similar to each other, others are quite unique. All five share the characteristics of smooth dorsal scales, (17 rows at midbody and 15 rows anterior to the vent), a divided anal plate, and an angular head.

Coloration. The dorsal coloration varies between the five subspecies of Coluber constrictor found in Texas Juveniles of most subspecies look tremendously different than their parents as they have a pattern of vertebral blotches which are typically lost during the neonates second year.

General distribution. There are nine subspecies of Coluber constrictor that are found across much of the United States east of the Continental Divide; additional subspecies range into northeastern Mexico.

Texas distribution. Coluber constrictor is found throughout most of Texas, save the western portions of the Trans-Pecos and Panhandle, as well as isolated portions of south Texas.

Habitat. Coluber constrictor is typically found in open areas with large amounts of undergrowth. Abandoned fields and farmlands, as well as edges of forest are suitable habitats for most of the five subspecies. Coluber c. etheridgei enjoys closed canopy wooded areas instead of the open areas like the other four subspecies.

Reproduction. Adults usually mate in the spring and the females lay clutches of as many as 30 eggs from May to early August. Incubation may last as long as 50 days with the juveniles measuring between 23-30.5 cm (9-12 in).

Size. Adult lengths may vary between 51-152.5 cm (20-60 in).

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Masticophis flagellum

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Masticophis flagellum

Common Name. Coachwhip

General information. Although non-venomous, a captured Coachwhip will not hesitate to bite quickly and repeatedly, leaving a series of shallow gashes in its aggressor’s flesh. They are extremely quick and agile, moving across open ground and thick brush with equal effort and speed. Diurnal hunters, their large eyes help them see movement across their terrain. An observer may catch a glimpse of a coachwhip “periscoping” as the snake lifts the anterior third of its body perpendicular to the ground, allowing the snake to survey the landscape above for any potential prey movement. They feed on many different types of vertebrate prey, ranging from lizards and other snakes, to small cottontail rabbits and birds. Coachwhips will frequently climb trees to eat nestling birds or to escape predators. They are active from March to November in the warmer parts of its range.

Protected status. The Coachwhip is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Divided anal plate 17 dorsal scale rows at midbody, with 13 scale rows found just in before the vent Large eyes, in proportion to its head, which are useful for hunting active lizards and mammals

Coloration. The dorsal background color can be highly variable, especially in Masticophis flagellum testaceus, ranging from black, red, yellow-tan, and even pink. There are two subspecies of M. flagellum in Texas, each distinguished by its color pattern. Some people suggest that the more darkly pigmented border of each dorsal scale (especially noticable on the tail) gives both subspecies a braided whip appearance.

General distribution. There are seven subspecies of Masticophis flagellum found throughout the southern half of the U.S. and the northern half of Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, the two subspecies of Masticophis flagellum are found throughout the state, with the two subspecies share a wide zone of overlap in the central portion of the state.

Habitat. Although Masticophis f. testaceous is more commonly found in open areas such as grasslands and desert scrub, M. f. flagellum can occupy a wide range of habitats from swamps and creek bottoms to dry meadows.

Reproduction. Coachwhips mate in the spring, and females deposit clutches averaging 10 eggs in June and early July. The young hatch in 6 to 10 weeks, measuring 28-40.5 cm (11-16 in), and looking different than the adults. The juvenile pattern is an overall tan coloration with small brown crossbars down the length of the body. The belly is also pigmented with a double row of black spots, a belly pattern similar to the adult M. f. testaceus.

Size. One of the largest species in Texas, with a record individual measuring over 2.4 m (8 ft) in length, though the average adult size is 1.05-1.5 m (3.5-5 ft).

Map. Colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies; map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Masticophis schotti

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Masticophis schotti

Common Name. Schott’s Whipsnake

General information. Masticophis schotti is a non-venomous diurnal hunter, catching and eating its prey generally without killing it, as it does not constrict their prey. Prey includes mice, small birds, lizards and frogs, though young snakes are thought to consume insects. Active from March to late September, these snakes do not make good pets as their nervous habits are not well suited for captivity.

Protected status. Schott’s Whipsnake is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Divided anal plate Smooth dorsal scales (in 15 dorsal scale rows at midbody).

Coloration. Dorsal ground color ranges from blue-gray, olive and greenish-gray. Belly color is variable, as the chin is generally white, the ventral scales are stippled with blue-gray, and the underside of the tail is red or yellow. There are two recognized subspecies of M. schotti found in Texas, although one subspecies' (Masticophis schotti ruthveni) limited range in Texas is said to broadly overlap that of the other (M. s. schotti).

General distribution. Masticophis schotti are found in Texas and through many of the northeastern states of Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Masticophis schotti are found throughout south Texas, south of the Edwards Plateau.

Habitat. Habitats frequented by Masticophis schotti include brushy thornscrub and mesquite lowlands to river valleys and the Gulf coastal plain.

Reproduction. Female snakes lay 3-12 eggs during May and June, with the young emerging from their eggs in August.

Size. With bodies often not much thicker than a person’s index finger, Masticophis schotti adults are typically 101.5-142 cm (40-56 in) in length.

Masticophis taeniatus

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Masticophis taeniatus

Common Name. Striped Whipsnake

General information. Masticophis taeniatus is highly excitable, non-venomous species that will quickly strike out at any predator, leaving small gashes in the attacker; these snakes are infrequently captured by humans because of their incredible agility and speed. This speed is crucial for M. taeniatus as it uses it to hunt down quick moving prey such as lizards, snakes, birds, frogs, and small mammals; other times it will lie motionless, waiting to ambush its unsuspecting prey. Masticophis taeniatus is often found in rocky or heavily vegetated habitats offering many avenues of escape and cover.

Protected status. The Striped Whipsnake is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Smooth scales, in 15 rows at midbody Divided anal plate Extremely slender and long snakes, with attractive white lateral lines and large eyes

Coloration. There are two subspecies which occur in Texas, distinguished on the basis of their dorsal coloration. Both subspecies have a red or coral coloration on the scales underneath the tail.

General distribution. The two subspecies of Masticophis taeniatus are found from eastern Washington and Oregon, through Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, into Texas and south into northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Masticophis taeniatus is found from extreme west Texas, through the Trans-Pecos, to the eastern edges of the Edwards Plateau.

Habitat. A common diurnal snake throughout much of the Trans-Pecos and Edwards Plateau regions, Masticophis taeniatus ranging up to 2000-2200 m elevation ( 6500-7000 ft).

Reproduction. Females lay clutches of eggs in the early part of the summer, with clutch size ranging between 3 and 12 eggs. Young emerge from their eggs about 2 months later, measuring 25-35 cm (10-14 in). The young M. taeniatus do not typically have the white patches along the sides of their body, instead having a narrow white crossband behind the head, an overall reddish-rust color, and a couple of longitudinal stripes along the third and fourth scale rows.

Size. Even though adults may measure 71-182 cm (28-72 in), the head of Masticophis taeniatus is often no bigger around than a person’s thumb!