Striped Whipsnake
Coluber taeniatus
A slender, exceptionally fast-moving snake of arid western landscapes, marked with crisp longitudinal cream stripes.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 1-1.8 m (3.3-6 ft)
- Range
- Western United States and northern Mexico, from the Great Basin to the southwestern deserts
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Overview
The Striped Whipsnake is a long, slender, fast-moving colubrid found across arid and semi-arid regions of the western United States. It belongs to the racer group and is known for its alert behavior and remarkable speed.
It is a diurnal predator that actively forages with head raised above the ground, relying on keen eyesight to detect prey and threats alike.
How to identify it
- Long, whip-thin body with a narrow head and large eyes with round pupils
- Dark brown to black dorsal coloration with several narrow cream or yellowish longitudinal stripes
- Smooth scales give a glossy appearance
- Tail tapers sharply, whip-like
- Distinguished from gartersnakes by smooth scales, larger eyes, and much greater speed
Habitat & range
Found in grasslands, sagebrush flats, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and rocky canyons from lowlands up into montane foothills. Often near rock outcrops that provide shelter.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Strictly diurnal and highly active, often seen moving quickly with head elevated. Preys on lizards, small mammals, birds, and other snakes. Extremely fast and difficult to approach, fleeing at the first sign of disturbance. Lays eggs in early summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Striped Whipsnake dangerous?
No, it is non-venomous and harmless to humans, relying on speed and evasion rather than defense.
How fast can it move?
It is one of the fastest snakes in North America, capable of quick bursts of speed over open ground.
What does it eat?
A generalist predator, it eats lizards, rodents, birds, and even other snakes.
Where does it live?
It inhabits dry, open western habitats including sagebrush plains, grasslands, and rocky canyon country.
Striped Whipsnake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Striped Whipsnake.
