Page 27 - Arkansas Snake Guide

SUZANNE COLLINS TERRESTRIAL SNAKES
Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
Range Almost statewide; absent from Mississippi Delta.
Description Smooth scales. A large, slender snake.
Forward two-thirds of body is black, hind portion of body
is tan or red-brown. Sometimes entire body is black. Belly
may be yellow, tan, brown or pink. Young patterned with
dark brown crossbands against a tan or yellow-brown
background on the fore portion of body. Adults average
42-60 inches in length.
Habitat and Habits Found in open forests, rocky
glades and grasslands. Active on sunny days from April-
October. Breeds in April-May; 8-24 eggs are laid in June
or early July and hatch in August-September. Coachwhips
are not constrictors. They chase down prey, subdue it with
powerful jaws and swallow it whole. Mice, lizards, snakes
and birds are eaten.
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