Coachwhip snakes are called coachwhips mostly due to the braiding pattern of their scales. However, a myth suggests that these snakes are prone to chasing humans and whipping them with their tails. Although this myth has been debunked, expect its quick body to reach up to 4 miles per hour in speed! As for size, coachwhip snakes can range anywhere from 4 to 6 feet in length. As a result, they can seem quite intimidating. So, what is the largest coachwhip snake to be recorded? Let’s look!
Largest Coachwhip Snake Ever Recorded
The largest size recorded for the coachwhip snake was of the eastern subspecies, totaling 8.5 feet in length! Juvenile coachwhip snakes typically reach just over 40 inches in length and can weigh up to 24 ounces. Adult coachwhip snakes range from 50 to 72 inches in length. They can weigh anywhere from 2 to 3.5 pounds. For a North American native snake, this is quite large!
More on Coachwhip Snakes
Coachwhip Snake: Appearance and Behavior
Coachwhip snakes are thin snakes. Their head is relatively small and is donned with big eyes and large, round pupils. Their body can appear as thick as a thumb, while their tail is as thin as a whip, and perhaps even as strong as one too! These snakes tend to vary in color; however, all of them have a very distinct braiding pattern. While most of them are dark with tan skin, some of the coachwhip subspecies can be lighter in color. Others can even be red, such as the red racer, western coachwhip, and the Sonoran coachwhip. Because these snakes have large eyes in proportion to their relatively small head size, their eyesight is particularly good. This helps them hunt because they typically catch their prey by raising their heads and hunting above land. When it comes to their behavior, they are curious but are actually nervous. They tend to flee rather than strike unless, of course, a threatening predator is nearby. When a coachwhip feels threatened and cannot escape, expect it to vibrate its tail and deliver a series of hissing sounds.
Coachwhip Snake: Habitat
The coachwhip snakes tend to live in dry, sandy areas such as deserts, scrublands, sandhills, and grasslands. They are also prone to climbing trees, shrubs, and rocks. You can even expect to see them inside forests and old fields. The coachwhip snake and its subspecies are active during daylight hours. They prefer to be out on hot, sunny days while other snakes remain hidden. When it’s nighttime or when the temperature drops, these snakes often find refuge under coverings or burrow themselves. They are typically found in the southern area of the United States and in Mexico; however, some of the subspecies can be found in the Carolinas and even central California. Eastern coachwhips will likely be found in states such as Georgia and Texas. Their colors range from black to tan. Red coachwhips or red racers can likely be found in southern California. Lined coachwhips, however, can more than likely be found in the southern part of Mexico. The coachwhip snake and its subspecies all vary in color as well. However, most of them have a similar braiding type design on their scales. If you can tell where the braiding overlaps, it may help you distinguish what kind of coachwhip snake you have found.
Coachwhip Snake: Diet
Coachwhip snakes primarily eat insects, small birds, lizards, small rodents, and other snakes. Because these snakes are extremely fast, they can also chase down skinks and even the fastest of the lizards, the racerunner. Although the coachwhip snake is in the same family of many constrictors, this snake does not coil around and squeeze its prey. In fact, it hunts by sight with its tiny head held high, striking at its prey and delivering a large bite to stun it. Then, it will eat its prey while it’s still alive.
Coachwhip Snake: Danger
Although there are many myths that say otherwise, the coachwhip and its subspecies do not pose a threat to humans or large domestic pets. In fact, since this snake is nervous by nature, it will often try to flee when it perceives a threat. If you happen to catch one, it is likely to fall limp, while some may strike and deliver a painful bite. Do not worry if you are bitten by a coachwhip, as this snake is not venomous, and the only way the bite should cause concern to you is if it has become infected.
Coachwhip Snake: Subspecies
There are six verified subspecies for the Masticophis flagellum:
Sonoran CoachwhipEastern CoachwhipLined CoachwhipRed Coachwhip (or Red Racer)San Joaquin CoachwhipWestern Coachwhip
Even though they are all named differently, their characteristics, habitats, and attitudes are remarkably similar.
Conclusion
Thankfully, despite climate change and its current disasters, this snake is not threatened or endangered. In fact, it thrives in the wild and prefers hot weather, along with its subspecies. Although the state of Illinois may say otherwise, the reason this snake is listed on the list of endangered species is because of habitat clearing and traffic accidents. Overall, this species is one of the least to be concerned about when it comes to being endangered. Although coachwhip snakes tend to flee when approached by a human, still proceed with caution if you ever come close to one of these thin-bodied fellows.
