Identify snake in greenhouse - Ask Extension
Please tell me what kind of snake this is and if it is poisonous. It is in my son's greenhouse in Yulee, FL.
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Identify snake in greenhouse #294437
Asked December 23, 2015, 1:44 PM EST
Please tell me what kind of snake this is and if it is poisonous. It is in my son's greenhouse in Yulee, FL.
Nassau County Florida
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. This photo is a little out of focus and not as close as I would like to make an ID, especially since you never know what you're going to come across in Florida, but I believe this is an Eastern Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum flagellum). The coachwhip is a non-venomous native species that is found throughout most of Florida, except for the Keys. It is also found in parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi,Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.
Usually, the anterior portion of the coachwhip's body is black and the posterior portion is tan. However, in southern Georgia and northern Florida this species is mostly tan. They are one of our longest native species. Typical length is approximately four feet, but maximum length can exceed eight feet. They are related to racers, and, like this species, are usually active during the day. They are primarily visual hunters as suggested by their large eyes. They feed on small mammals, lizards, snakes and birds. They do not kill by constriction, but swallow their prey alive.
Also, like most racers, coachwhips have no sense of humor. They will generally attempt to use their speed to escape if they feel threatened. If cornered, however, they will strike repeatedly. If not trying to bite, they elevate the front portion of their body off the ground, hold their mouth open and vibrate their tail. This species' common name comes from the appearance of its scales, which can look similar to braided leather, like a whip. A common snake myth associated with this species is that it likes to hunt down humans and whip them with its long tail.
An excellent field guide that you may want to consider is:
Snakes of the Southeast by Whit Gibbons and Mike Dorcas
I hope this answers your question, and thank you for using Ask an Expert.
Jim
Usually, the anterior portion of the coachwhip's body is black and the posterior portion is tan. However, in southern Georgia and northern Florida this species is mostly tan. They are one of our longest native species. Typical length is approximately four feet, but maximum length can exceed eight feet. They are related to racers, and, like this species, are usually active during the day. They are primarily visual hunters as suggested by their large eyes. They feed on small mammals, lizards, snakes and birds. They do not kill by constriction, but swallow their prey alive.
Also, like most racers, coachwhips have no sense of humor. They will generally attempt to use their speed to escape if they feel threatened. If cornered, however, they will strike repeatedly. If not trying to bite, they elevate the front portion of their body off the ground, hold their mouth open and vibrate their tail. This species' common name comes from the appearance of its scales, which can look similar to braided leather, like a whip. A common snake myth associated with this species is that it likes to hunt down humans and whip them with its long tail.
An excellent field guide that you may want to consider is:
Snakes of the Southeast by Whit Gibbons and Mike Dorcas
I hope this answers your question, and thank you for using Ask an Expert.
Jim
After doing some online research, this is also what we concluded. Thank you for responding.
You're welcome. Any time.
Jim
Jim
