Colorado Herpetological Society's

Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Colorado

Coachwhip
(Masticophis flagellum)

Family Colubridae

Photo from Hammerson, 1986.
Used with permission.

Last Updated on January 20, 2000.

Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum)
Description: Adults 36" to 80" in length. Color gray, tan, pink, or red; sometimes with dark crossbars on neck. Crossbars prominent on anterior of juveniles. Slender body, with smooth scales. Divided anal plate. Elevation Range: Below 6000' in eastern and southeastern Colorado; to 7700' in the Wet Mountains, Custer County. Subspecies in Colorado: Masticophis flagellum testaceus Masticophis flagellum piceus may occur in extreme southwestern Colorado.