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.

Geographic range

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 from 152 cm for M. lateralis to 259 cm for M. flagellum. A distinctive character of this genus is the shape of the frontal scale 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.
Nota bene: A binomial authority or trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species or subspecies was originally described in a genus other than Masticophis.