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(Masticophis flagellum)
| Identification: Upper side brown, pink, or
red, often with dark crossbars, especially on front end of body in
juveniles; upper scales smooth (unkeeled); small scale wedged between
upper lip scales at front edge of eye; 13 or fewer rows of scales on back
and sides immediately in front of vent; coloration of rear portion of body
results in resemblance to braided whip; anal scale divided; maximum total
length about 203 cm (80 inches); many adults in Colorado reach more than
150 cm (59 inches) total length.
|
 Photo courtesy of Chuck Loeffler |
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Colorado Distribution:
Southeastern Colorado, generally
at elevations below 6,000 feet but locally up to 7,700 feet, and the Republican
River drainage in northeastern Colorado at elevations of about 3,400-4,500 feet.
Widespread and fairly common.
Habitat:
Flat
or hilly shortgrass prairie, including rocky bluffs and outcrops within these
areas; sandhills; canyon slopes with scattered piņon pine and juniper; open
riparian woodlands; and mosaics of prairie and agricultural land; this often
ground-dwelling snake commonly climbs into shrubs or small trees to bask or
search for prey. Takes shelter in burrows, crevices, spaces under rocks or wood,
and other secluded sites.
Life History:
Females lay eggs between late June and
mid-July. Hatchlings emerge in late summer. These fast-moving, day-active snakes
feed opportunistically on small mammals, birds and their eggs, lizards, snakes,
small turtles, frogs, and large insects.