Masticophis

Masticophis is a genus of colubrid snakes, commonly referred to as whip snakes or coachwhips, which are endemic to the Americas. They are characterized by having a long, thin body and are not dangerous to humans. Distribution and habitat Species of Masticophis are found in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Description Adults of species in the genus Masticophis may attain a total length (including tail) from 152 cm (5 ft) for M. lateralis to 259 cm (8.5 ft) for M. flagellum. A distinctive character of this genus is the shape of the frontal scale (the large scale in the center of the upper surface of the head) which is bell-shaped and elongated. At the rear of the body, the dorsal scales are arranged in only 13 rows. Species and subspecies The genus Masticophis contains eleven species that are recognized as being valid, five of which have recognized subspecies. Masticophis anthonyi – Clarion Island whip snake Masticophis aurigulus – Baja California striped whip snake Masticophis barbouri – Baja California striped whip snake, Espiritu Santo striped whip snake Masticophis bilineatus – Sonoran whip snake Masticophis flagellum – coachwhip Masticophis flagellum cingulum – Sonoran coachwhip Masticophis flagellum flagellum – eastern coachwhip Masticophis flagellum lineatulus – lined coachwhip Masticophis flagellum piceus – red coachwhip Masticophis flagellum ruddocki – San Joaquin coachwhip Masticophis flagellum testaceus – western coachwhip Masticophis fuliginosus – Baja California coachwhip Masticophis lateralis – California whipsnake Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus – Alameda striped racer Masticophis lateralis lateralis – California striped racer