San Joaquin Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum ruddocki
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- M. f. ruddocki – Kings Co, CA – photo by Patrick Briggs
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- M. f. ruddocki – Kings Co, CA – photo by Patrick Briggs
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- M. f. ruddocki – Kings Co, CA – photo by Patrick Briggs
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- M. f. ruddocki – Kings Co, CA – photo by Patrick Briggs
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- Map by Steve Bledsoe, SWCHR
DISTRIBUTION: In our region, Masticophis f. ruddocki occurs only in California, ranging from the Sacramento Valley in Colusa County southward to the Kern County portion of the San Joaquin Valley, and westward into the inner South Coast Ranges.
LEGAL STATUS: No Listings
MEANING OF SCIENTIFIC NAME: Masticophis flagellum ruddocki (Brattstrum & Warren – 1953)
Genus: Masticophis, Greek – mastix = whip + ophis = snake, serpent
Species: flagellum, Latin = whip – ref. braided appearance of the tail
Subspecies: ruddocki, honors John C. Ruddock
Ref. Ellen Beltz 2006
Ref. E. Jeager 1962