Coachwhip Snake
(Masticophis flagellum)
Distribution
The Coach whip snake is quite a common snake in its natural habitat of woodland, rocky hillsides and sand dunes. It is reasonably common throughout the southern states of the USA and Mexico.
There are currently seven subspecies which are recognized and these are;
Masticophis flagellum cingulum, Masticophis flagellum flagellum, Masticophis flagellum fuliginosus, Masticophis flagellum lineatulus, Masticophis flagellum piceus, Masticophis flagellum ruddocki and
Masticophis flagellum testaceus.
Description
Coach whip snakes are extremely agile diurnal snakes. Coach whip snakes are so called because of the large scales on the long, slowly tapering tail, which give it the appearance of a braided bullwhip. This is a fast and active snake and should not be kept as a first time snake as some specimens (but not all) have aggressive temperaments.
Size
Adults of this species have been recorded up to 260cm (8.5ft) although the average adult size is between 90cm and 195cm (3 - 6.5ft).
Diet
In the wild this species preys on a wide variety of birds, lizards, rodents and snakes (including small rattlesnakes). It hunts its food with its head raised off the floor, following the scent into the prey's burrows. In captivity it should be fed appropriately sized rodents every 5 days as due to its activity levels it has a faster metabolism than some colubrids. This species of snake should always be fed with tongs and never by hand.
Requirements
- Heat Source: - This can be reflector (spot) lights in green, blue or red. Ceramic heaters and heat mats can also be used, although whichever heat source you choose it should be guarded and thermostatically controlled.
- Ultra Violet Light Source: - There is a lot of controversy regarding the use of UV lighting with snakes; many herpetologists wouldn't be without one. As more research is being carried out it is being shown that providing a UV light increases activity and the snake shows many behavioural and breeding behaviours than if UV was not supplied. Therefore I recommend that a Reptisun 5.0 UV light is used and positioned no more than 30cm away from the snake when it is basking for optimum exposure and left on for 8-12 hours per day. This should be changed every 6 months. Care should be taken if your snake is albino as the light intensity could have a detrimental effect on the snake's eyes. Vitamin D3 supplements should also be kept to a minimum.
- Thermostat: - An essential part of every vivarium and is required to control the heat inside the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
- Housing: - This should consist of a dark wooden vivarium with glass frontage and adequate ventilation. An enclosure measuring 120cm by 60cm by 45cm (4ft x 2ft x 18 inches) is adequate for a pair of these snakes. Hatchlings would require a small hatchling tub (a pen pal is suitable) which should be left within a larger vivarium. Ensure that your snakes are of a similar size as they have been known to cannibalise. Ensure there are plenty of hides for the snake to conceal itself in if it wishes.
- Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.
- Thermometers: - One should be placed at either end of the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat as this is often incorrect.
- Water: - Fresh water should always be available to your snake. A small water bowl is needed for this species.
Temperature
A basking temperature of 30°C (86°F) should be provided, allowing a 25 - 26°C (77 - 78°F) cool end.
Longevity
Captive coach whips have lived up to 16 years, however nothing is known on their longevity in the wild.
Substrate
This species of snake is best kept on either newspaper or chip shop paper. Due to its nervous nature it should be provided with numerous hides. Bark Mulch (dust and pine/cedar free) is also a good alternative as it is more aesthetically pleasing, however care should be taken that none is ingested during feeding.
NB – Map taken from http://lifemapper.org/robotfood/Reptile/Masticophis%20flagellum.HTM
Photograph taken by Stuart Dodsworth.
Recommended Reading/Useful Contacts
Stuart Dodsworth –
stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society –
www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society –
www.thebhs.org
Taxonomy Information –
http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Masticophis_SP_flagellum']
www.petsnakes.co.uk
www.reptilekeeper.co.uk
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