Colorado Herpetological Society's

Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Colorado

Striped Whipsnake
(Masticophis taeniatus)

Family Colubridae

Photo from Hammerson, 1986.
Used with permission.

Last Updated on January 20, 2000.

Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus)
Description: Adults 36" to 72" in length. Color dark brown to black, with light or whitish stripe on sides. Side stripe divided by a broken to continuous dark band. Slender body, with smooth scales. Divided anal plate. Elevation Range: Below 7000' in northwestern Colorado; to 8100' in southwest. Subspecies in Colorado: Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus