Eastern coachwhip

Description:

The coachwhip has smooth scales. The scales and coloration of the tail of an adult coachwhip make it look like a braided whip. The juvenile looks completely different than the adult and is boldly marked. It has a mottled pattern with dark, thin crossbands, especially on the anterior part of the body, and a long tail. The adult eastern coachwhip has a back that is dark anteriorly and light brown to reddish posteriorly. The belly usually varies with the dorsal ground color; the front half is dark and the back half is light, although some may have a uniform light colored belly. The adult western coachwhip either has a plain back or may have dark narrow, somewhat faded crossbands down the back. The ground color varies from light tan to dark brown to pinkish. The belly is cream to light gray and may have a double row of dark spots at the anterior end. (information from "A Field Guide to Oklahoma's Amphibians and Reptiles")

Habitat:

Mixed prairie/woodland

Notes:

Found in a trash pile