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Masticophis is a genus of snake characterized by its long, slender body, slender head, and large eyes. This genus of snake belongs to the Colubridae family and is considered a colubrid snake. Whip snakes, as they are commonly known, look very much like a whip, mainly because their scales are shaped in such a way that they appear braided at first glance. There are several species and subspecies of the whip snake, and they are often found in dry, temperate, and subtropical areas.
Depending on the species and the area in which it is found, the color of a whip snake can vary greatly. Most of these snakes have a color pattern that helps them blend in with their surroundings. Some species are solid in color, while others may have a pattern on their backs. The common striped type can be recognized by the light colored stripes running down its back, and the Spain horseshoe snake is said to have a horseshoe pattern.
This snake can grow quite large. The smallest snakes of this type can measure around 60 centimeters, but it is not uncommon for some species to grow to 183 centimeters or more. Although rare, some species of whip snakes can reach around 2.4 meters in length.
Most species are diurnal. This means that they are active during the day and sleep at night. It is a snake that moves very fast, which helps it catch its prey. The snake’s diet generally consists of rodents, small birds, and even small reptiles such as lizards and other snakes.
Whip snakes seem to prefer hot, arid climates and hibernate during the colder winter months. They can be found primarily in rocky areas, grasslands, and lightly forested areas in the southern part of the United States and the northern half of Mexico. Other species of this snake have also been found in Spain and Singapore.
A common myth about this snake is that it is extremely aggressive and will chase any human it comes across. It is also said to whip a person with its long thin tail. Today these myths are known as fallacies, and whip snakes are known as very shy snakes that avoid confrontation. Although their tails look very much like a whip, they are not used as a defense to whip humans or any other animals.