Black Whip Snake
Dolichophis jugularis
A large, fast, and powerfully built colubrid of the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, often appearing nearly all black as an adult.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 1.5-2.5 m (5-8.2 ft)
- Range
- Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East
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Overview
The black whip snake is one of the largest colubrid snakes in its range, found across the eastern Mediterranean, the Levant, and parts of the Middle East. Adults are often uniformly dark, giving rise to the common name, though juveniles are more patterned. It is non-venomous and, despite its imposing size, poses no serious danger to humans.
It is closely related to the Caspian whip snake and shares a similarly bold, fast-moving lifestyle.
How to identify it
- Large, robust body, among the biggest colubrids in its range
- Juveniles patterned with dark blotches on a lighter background
- Adults typically become nearly uniform black or very dark brown dorsally
- Belly often pale yellow or cream, contrasting with the dark back
- Smooth scales
- Large eyes with round pupils
Habitat & range
Found in a variety of habitats including rocky hillsides, scrubland, agricultural areas, and forest edges. Range includes Turkey, the Levant (Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan), Cyprus, and parts of Iraq and Iran, from lowlands to moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and highly active, moving quickly and often assertively when disturbed, including hissing and striking. Feeds on a broad diet of rodents, birds, lizards, and other snakes, overpowered by strength. Oviparous, laying clutches of numerous eggs during the warm season.
Frequently asked questions
Is the black whip snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous, though its large size and bold defensive display can be intimidating.
How big does the black whip snake get?
It is a large colubrid, with adults commonly reaching 1.5-2.5 m.
Where is the black whip snake found?
It occurs across the eastern Mediterranean, the Levant, Cyprus, and parts of the Middle East.
Why do adult black whip snakes look black?
Adults typically darken to a nearly uniform black or very dark brown, unlike the more patterned juveniles.
Black Whip Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Black Whip Snake.
