Stats

Lifespan: 13-20 yrs
Size: Large
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Diurnal
Social: Solitary
Biome: Temperate grassland
Range: North America
Movement: Slithering
Breeding: Egg-laying
Defense: Speed
Status: Uncommon

About

The Common Coachwhip is a fast, slender snake found across the southern United States and Mexico, often seen racing across open ground with its head held high. Its tail scales resemble braided leather, giving rise to old folk tales that the snake could whip a person with its tail.

Life cycle

1.
hatchling
A miniature snake emerges from the egg or from its mother (live-bearers), already venomous or strong-coiled in some species.
2.
juvenile
A juvenile sheds its skin, grows quickly, and hunts smaller prey than the adults.
3.
adult
Fully grown at adult length and pattern.

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Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Masticophis
Species: Masticophis flagellum