Sonoran Whipsnake
Masticophis bilineatus
A slender, arboreal-inclined desert whipsnake with a striking olive-to-gray body and pale lateral stripes.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 1-1.7 m (3.3-5.6 ft)
- Range
- Southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and northwestern Mexico
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Overview
The Sonoran Whipsnake is a slim, fast-moving colubrid inhabiting rocky canyons and desert grasslands of the American Southwest and northern Mexico. It is closely related to the striped and California whipsnakes.
Unlike many ground-dwelling colubrids, it readily climbs into shrubs and trees while foraging, making it a somewhat more arboreal member of its group.
How to identify it
- Slender body colored olive, tan, or grayish with two pale stripes along each side
- Head often shows a darker cap contrasting with a lighter neck region
- Large eyes with round pupils; smooth scales give a glossy sheen
- Long, tapering, whip-like tail
- Separated from the striped whipsnake by its more olive tone and geographic range in the Sonoran Desert region
Habitat & range
Occupies rocky canyons, desert grasslands, oak woodlands, and riparian corridors, often at moderate elevations in mountain foothills of the Sonoran Desert region.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and highly alert, often seen basking or moving quickly across rocks and through vegetation, including climbing into bushes and low trees. Feeds on lizards, small mammals, and birds. Lays eggs in summer, with hatchlings emerging in early fall.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sonoran Whipsnake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous and not dangerous to people.
Does it climb trees?
Yes, it is more inclined to climb into shrubs and low trees than many other ground-dwelling whipsnakes.
Where is it found?
It occurs in rocky canyons and oak-grassland habitats of southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and northwestern Mexico.
What does it eat?
Lizards are its primary prey, supplemented by small mammals and birds.
Sonoran Whipsnake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Sonoran Whipsnake.
