Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So the little rescued Coachwhip is doing well, eating and growing and shedding! I'm just not sure exactly what type of coachwhip he is? Does anyone know specifically? He was caught around Phoenix, AZ.
Thank you!

You definitely have a juvenile Red coachwhip, or Masticophis flagellum piceus. It is the only subspecies of coachwhip in the Phoenix area. It is a "red" phase. There also exists a "black" phase which is more commonly seen in the Tucson area. Good luck with your captive, it's a beautiful little snake! Does it attempt to bite?
-----
Roy Blodgett

1.0 Drymarchon corais
0.1 Coluber mormon
1.0 Masticophis flagellum piceus (black phase)
0.1 Lampropeltis getula californiae (desert phase)
0.1 Candoia aspera (red phase)
0.1 Corytophanes cristatus
1.1 Pogona vitticeps (snow and red/gold)
1.0 Iguana iguana

Thank you! I was hoping it was a red phase! As for biting, he strikes alot until you have a hold on him. Then he stops trying for your hand, but will strike at anything else that moves! I was just given a 150 gallon tank to start working on a nice permanent home when he grows up! Right now he is in a 10 gallon, and may be going down for the Winter, as he decided to stop eating and coming out; or perhaps just another shed. I try not to stress him too much by overhandling, he has finally gotten used to me walking by his tank without him hiding!

did you rescue it or just remove it from its habitat.its not totally wrong i do it somtimes but you said rescue.

I'm not into removing animals from their natural habitat, especially if it's a safe habitat! No, this guy was a rescue, brought to me by a concerned family who knew I like snakes! He lost most of his tail by a weedwacker. After eating for me, and consulting quite a few people, I have decided to keep him, as releasing him would really endanger his life.
He's a keeper!