| 词条 | Masticophis flagellum flagellum |
| 释义 |
| image = Masticophis flagellum flagellum.jpg | image_caption = Eastern coachwhip Masticophis flagellum flagellum | status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1 | genus = Masticophis | species = flagellum | subspecies = flagellum | authority = Shaw, 1802 | synonyms = * Coluber flagellum Shaw, 1802
}}Masticophis flagellum flagellum, commonly known as the Eastern coachwhip, is a subspecies of M. flagellum, a nonvenomous, colubrid snake, endemic to the southern United States.[4][5] DistributionThe subspecies ranges from North Carolina to Florida in the east, and from eastern Kansas to eastern Texas in the west. They are notably absent from the Mississippi Delta, which divides their range into two separate groupings.[4] DescriptionAdults are long and slender, ranging from {{convert|50|to(-)|72|in|cm}} in total length. The longest on record was {{convert|102|in|cm}}. They are among North America's largest native snakes. The head and neck are usually black, fading to tan posteriorly. Some specimens may lack the dark head and neck pigmentation.[4][5] Their smooth scales and coloration give the appearance of a braided whip, hence the common name.[5] HabitatThe subspecies can be found in a wide variety of habitats, but is most abundant in the southeastern coastal plain. Its preferred habitat includes sandy pine woodlands, pine-palmetto flatwoods, cedar glades, and along creeks, marshes and swamplands.[4][5][6] Behavior & dietThe Eastern coachwhip is an active, fast-moving snake. It is diurnal and hunts it prey by smell and sight. It frequently hunts with its head raised above the ground and vegetation, and unlike most snakes, visually locks onto its prey's position before capture. Following capture, the snake swallows its prey alive. It has strong jaws with rows of small, inward slanting teeth. It has sometimes been observed to beat its prey against the ground in an apparent effort to stun it prior to swallowing. Prey items include birds, large insects, lizards, other snakes, and small mammals.[5][6] ReproductionEastern coachwhips mate in the spring, with the female laying a clutch of 10-16 eggs in June or July. The eggs are laid in rotting vegetation or logs. The hatchlings emerge after 6 to 11 weeks, and are initially {{convert|12|to(-)|16|in|cm}} in length.[5] MythA common myth is that the Eastern coachwhip will intentionally attack people and whip them with its tail. This is false.[4][7] In truth, when disturbed this snake will usually quickly flee. It will sometimes vibrate the tip of its tail among the ground litter, making a sound suggestive of a rattlesnake. If trapped, it will aggressively defend itself, striking repeatedly and biting.[5] References1. ^Boulenger, G.A. 1893. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I., Containing the Families...Colubridæ Aglyphæ, part. Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, Printers.) London. xiii + 448 pp. + Plates I.- XXVIII. (Zamenis flagelliformis, pp. 389-390.) {{Taxonbar|from=Q5403537}}2. ^The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org. 3. ^Conant, R. 1975. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Second Edition. Houghton Mifflin. Boston. 429 pp. {{ISBN|0-395-19977-8}} (paperback). (Masticophis flagellum flagellum, pp. 181-182 + Plate 26 + Map 141.) 4. ^1 2 3 4 {{cite web |url=http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/fl-guide/masticophisfflagellum.htm |title=Eastern Coachwhip, Coachwhip, Racer |work=Florida Museum of Natural History |publisher=University of Florida |accessdate=June 1, 2012}} 5. ^1 2 3 4 5 6 {{cite web |url=http://www.dcnr.state.al.us/watchable-wildlife/what/Reptiles/Snakes/ec.cfm |title=Eastern Coachwhip |work=Outdoor Alabama |publisher=Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |accessdate=June 1, 2012}} 6. ^1 {{cite web |url=http://www.reptilechannel.com/reptile-species/snakes-profiles/eastern-coachwhip-2.aspx |title=Eastern Coachwhip Species Profile |work=Reptile Channel.com |publisher=BowTie, Inc. |accessdate=June 2, 2012}} 7. ^{{cite web |url=http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/eastern-coachwhip |title=Eastern Coachwhip |work=Missouri Department of Conservation |publisher=Conservation Commission of Missouri |accessdate=June 2, 2012}} 4 : Colubrids|Fauna of the Southeastern United States|Reptiles of the United States|Taxa named by George Shaw |
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