Striped Whipsnake
This alert, fast-moving snake is active during the day.
About This Species
The striped whipsnake is non-venomous.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
Dark stripe centered on each of first four scale rows on each side of body (count upward from belly scales); underside of tail pink in adults; upper scales smooth (unkeeled), in 15 rows at midbody; eyes large; head scales with pale borders; small scale wedged between upper lip scales at front edge of eye; anal scale divided; eyes large, with a prominent ridge above each; maximum total length about 72 inches (183 cm).
Range
Throughout western Colorado at elevations up to about 7,000 feet in the north and 8,100 feet in the south. Uncommon.
Habitat
Semidesert shrubland in broad basins, piñon-juniper woodland and shrubland on mesa tops and rocky slopes, and intermittent stream courses and arroyos in the bottoms of canyons. Active mostly on the ground surface but readily climbs into vegetation. Seeks shelter in burrows or beneath rocks or other cover.
Diet
This fast-moving, day-active snake feeds opportunistically on small mammals, birds and their eggs, lizards, snakes, frogs, and large insects. Lizards are a mainstay of the diet.
Reproduction
Females produce a clutch of eggs in late June or early July. Hatchlings appear in August.