Western Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum testaceus
-
- M. f. testaceus consuming a rabbit – Terrell Co, TX – photo by Burt Wycoff
-
- M. f. testaceus – Terrell Co, TX – photo by Rusty Dodson
-
- M. f. testaceus Habitat – Val Verde Co, TX – photo by Nathan Wells
-
- M. f. testaceus – Val Verde Co, TX – photo by Nathan Wells
-
- M. f. testaceus – Val Verde Co, TX – photo by Rob Klockman
-
- M. f. testaceus – Wilson Co, TX – photo by Karen Kuplack
-
- Map by Steve Bledsoe, SWCHR
DISTRIBUTION: In our region, Masticophis f. testaceus occurs throughout the western ¾ of Texas and the eastern half of New Mexico. Along the eastern edge of its range, it intergrades with the Eastern Coachwhip (Masticophis f. flagellum).
LEGAL STATUS: No Listings
MEANING OF SCIENTIFIC NAME: Masticophis flagellum testaceus (Say – 1823)
Genus: Masticophis, Greek – mastix = whip + ophis = snake, serpent
Species: flagellum, Latin = whip – ref. braided appearance of the tail
Subspecies: testaceus, Latin – testa = tile or brick + aceus = having the nature or color of
Ref. Ellen Beltz 2006
Ref. E. Jeager 1962