Coachwhips found in California

Coachwhips are long, slender, fast-moving snakes of open, hot, dry areas. Color is variable; tan, silver,
brown, reddish, or black, with irregular blotches or bands and black on the neck. The tail is very long
and thin and appears braided, like a whip. Active during daylight, this snake is usually found on the ground,
often basking in the sun in the early morning on desert roads. They are also found underneath boards and
other debris, especially on cold or overcast days.

Three subspecies are present in California. The Baja Coachwhip is very rarely observed, the San
Joaquin Coachwhip is threatened, having lost much of its former habitat, and the Red Coachwhip is very common.

California Reptiles & Amphibians	Coachwhips found in California
Click on a picture for a larger view
	Coachwhips are long, slender, fast-moving snakes of open, hot, dry areas. Color is variable; tan, silver, brown, reddish, or black, with irregular blotches or bands and black on the neck. The tail is very long and thin and appears braided, like a whip. Active during daylight, this snake is usually found on the ground, often basking in the sun in the early morning on desert roads. They are also found underneath boards and other debris, especially on cold or overcast days. Three subspecies are present in California. The Baja Coachwhip is very rarely observed, the San Joaquin Coachwhip is threatened, having lost much of its former habitat, and the Red Coachwhip is very common. Baja California Coachwhip Red Coachwhip San Joaquin Coachwhip Masticophis fuliginosus Masticophis flagellum piceus Masticophis flagellum ruddocki


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