Sonoran Whipsnake

(Masticophis bilineatus)

Color Photograph: U.S. National Parks Service

Blue line indicates the wedge-shaped lower preocular scale in Masticophis lateralis

Sonoran Whipsnake (Masticophis bilineatus)

Identification: Snake 24 to 67 inches in length. Dorsal color blue-gray, gray brown, or olive. Rear two-thirds of body lighter than forward third. Sides usually with two or three light stripes, but stripes fading toward the tail. Belly cream-colored. Dorsal scales smooth and anal plate divided. Lower preocular scale triangular and wedged between two upper labials (see figure of Masticophis lateralis in lower left column).

Geographical Variation: None.

Range (see map below left): This species is found in central and southern Arizona, reaching extreme southwestern New Mexico and southward into Mexico.

Habitat: The Sonoran Whipsnake lives in a variety of habitats including the dry, lower slopes of mountains and upward into juniper and oak-pine regions. The species is most common in rocky stream beds.

Food: Birds, lizards, and frogs.

Behavior: A diurnal, fast, and active species. This species is equally at home on the ground or climbing in trees and shrubs.

Reproduction:  The clutch consists of 6 to 13 eggs laid during June and July.

Sonoran Whipsnake (Masticophis bilineatus)

Similar Species:

Garter Snakes (Thamnophis spp.)

Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus)

Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum)

Other similar species of Masticophis including the Striped Racer (Masticophis lateralis) and Schott's Whipsnake (Masticophis schotti) do not occur in Arizona.