The Racers 



Total Length 7 ft. i in. 



Length of Jail i '" 8 in. 



Greatest Diameter* i J inches. 



Width of Head i 



LengthofHead 2\ 



Distribution. The range of the typical form the Coach- 

 whip Snake is from South Carolina (inclusive) southward 

 throughout Florida and westward to Arizona; northern Mexico. 

 In the East the species is not so generally abundant as the 

 blacksnake. During a two weeks' collecting trip in the South, 

 the writer captured seventy blacksnakes, but during the entire 

 period observed but five specimens of the Coachwhip Snake. 

 The species appears to be more abundant in Texas than in the 

 southeastern United States. Many specimens have been re- 

 ceived from the vicinity of Brownsville and from San Antonio. 

 Among these Texas specimens were several of a uniform pale 

 green hue. 



Habits. Closely related, the Coachwhip Snake and .the 

 blacksnake are very similar in habits. Although the black- 

 snake is one of the most active of serpents, the Coachwhip Snake 

 is yet more speedy in traversing the ground. This wonderful 

 agility is rendered possible by the reptile's build exceedingly 

 slim of body. Like the blacksnake, the Coachwhip Snake is 

 also addicted to cannibalism, though it feeds principally upon 

 small rodents, birds and eggs. It will not eat frogs. It is an 

 excellent climber, but not to any extent arboreal in habits, as 

 it frequents rather open, sandy country, where it darts over 

 the ground, if annoyed, with an amazing display of speed. The 

 writer has most commonly seen these snakes among the "sand 

 hills" of Georgia and South Carolina, where the burrows of the 

 gopher tortoise were numerous. The snakes take refuge in 

 these burrows when pursued. 



Although feeding readily, this species is one of the few harm- 

 less snakes to retain a fierce disposition when captive and resent 

 being handled. When annoyed it vibrates the tail rapidly, 

 partially opens the mouth, and with head raised some distance 

 from the ground, will strike viciously and repeatedly. Owing 

 to its nervous, restless disposition, it requires food more fre- 

 quently than do many snakes. An adult specimen will consume 



* Note the very slender body as compared with the length. 



287 



