Coachwhip Snake

Zamenis flagelliformis, (B. & G.)

Colouration: Forward portion of the body black, or very dark brown, becoming paler toward the latter half; the tail is pale brown.
Dimensions: The species attains a length of eight feet, which size represents a very large specimen. Following are the measurements of a specimen from Marion County, Florida:
Distribution: The range of the typical form--the Coach-whip Snake--is from South Carolina (inclusive) southward throughout Florida and westward to Arizona; northern Mexico.
Habits: Closely related, the Coachwhip Snake and the blacksnake are very similar in habits. Although the black-snake is one of the most active of serpents, the Coachwhip Snake is yet more speedy in traversing the ground. This wonderful agility is rendered possible by the reptile's build--exceedingly slim of body. Like the blacksnake, the Coachwhip Snake is also addicted to cannibalism, though it feeds principally upon small rodents, birds and eggs. It will not eat frogs. It is an excellent climber, but not to any extent arboreal in habits, as it frequents rather open, sandy country, where it darts over the ground, if annoyed, with an amazing display of speed. The writer has most commonly seen these snakes among the "sand hills" of Georgia and South Carolina, where the burrows of the gopher tortoise were numerous. The snakes take refuge in these burrows when pursued.

Form very slender; tail very long. One of the largest species, attaining a length of eight feet. Head narrow.

White beneath, the plates of the underside showing clouded edges on the neck and throat; plates under the latter portion of the body immaculate white or yellow.

Variations.--Some specimens are sooty-black for two-thirds the length of the body, but become brownish, or dark gray toward the tail. Such are usually from South Carolina, Georgia and northern Florida. Many specimens from southern Florida are pale brown on the head and neck and pale greenish-gray for the greater length of the body. In the extreme West, this species exhibits a decidedly reddish colouration, which variation is described under a separate head.

Young specimens of the Coachwhip Snake are mottled in a fashion similar to the colouration of the young blacksnake, but they retain this spotted pattern to a considerably greater age than the young of the allied species; the pattern may sometimes be discerned on individuals that are almost mature--especially when the skin has been freshly cast. One Western variety retains the pattern throughout maturity; this has been described separately.

Total Length . . . . . 7 ft. 1 in.

Length of Tail . . . . . 1 ft. 8 1/2 in.

Greatest Diameter (Note the very slender body as compared with the length.)

. . . . . 1 1/4 inches.

Width of Head . . . . . 1 inches.

Length of Head . . . . . 2 1/4 inches.

In the East the species is not so generally abundant as the blacksnake. During a two weeks' collecting trip in the South, the writer captured seventy blacksnakes, but during the entire period observed but five specimens of the Coachwhip Snake. The species appears to be more abundant in Texas than in the southeastern United States. Many specimens have been received from the vicinity of Brownsville and from San Antonio. Among these Texas specimens were several of a uniform pale green hue.

Although feeding readily, this species is one of the few harmless snakes to retain a fierce disposition when captive and resent being handled. When annoyed it vibrates the tail rapidly, partially opens the mouth, and with head raised some distance from the ground, will strike viciously and repeatedly. Owing to its nervous, restless disposition, it requires food more frequently than do many snakes. An adult specimen will consume several mice or animals of a similar size about every five days. The prey is not constricted.

This species lays from one to two dozen eggs.