Sonoran Coachwhip

Masticophis cingulum

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

Long (to 6+ feet), slender, very alert, and very fast, this snake has a limited range in the USA. Big-scaled, this coachwhip is most often a dark pink with lighter pink bands. But like most coachwhips the color can vary to a solid black, black and pink, or yellowish. It prefers open terrain with enough cover to hide it and may often be seen along grassy roadsides. Occurs in extreme seAZ, intergrades with western coachwhip where it ranges about to the east. They often “periscope when hunting. Smooth scales. Oviparous. Hatchlings are dark with darker saddles.

 

Unique Features:

Because of variability of color and pattern, there are no ironclad unique features. Compare with other whipsnake species and subspecies in AZ.

 

Habitat and Diet:

It prefers open terrain with enough cover to hide it and may often be seen along grassy roadsides. Capable of climbing, it does so ably and promptly if seeking prey or an avenue of escape. Prey of this snake includes nestlings of small mammals, birds, and lizards

 

Geographic Range:

AZ,