Schott's Whipsnake

About the Schott's Whipsnake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Schott's Whipsnake

Is the Schott's Whipsnake venomous?

No. The Schott's Whipsnake (Masticophis schotti) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.

Is the Schott's Whipsnake poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Schott's Whipsnake is neither poisonous nor venomous.

Is the Schott's Whipsnake dangerous?

The Schott's Whipsnake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the Schott's Whipsnake live?

The Schott's Whipsnake has verified records in 2 countries, including United States of America, Mexico. See the distribution section below for its full range.

How do I identify the Schott's Whipsnake?

Long, whip-thin body; coachwhips often show a braided-whip tail pattern.

How big does the Schott's Whipsnake get?

Very slender, 3–6 ft.

Why is it called the Schott's Whipsnake?

Its species name was given to it in honor of Arthur Schott. The subspecies Masticophis schotti ruthveni is named in honor of Alexander Grant Ruthven.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

• 
  Common Coachwhip
  Masticophis flagellum
• 
  Striped Racer
  Masticophis lateralis
• 
  Striped Whipsnake
  Masticophis taeniatus
• 
  Neotropical Whip Snake
  Masticophis mentovarius
• 
  Sonoran Whipsnake
  Masticophis bilineatus
• 
  Baja California Coachwhip
  Masticophis fuliginosus
• 
  Clarion Island Whip Snake
  Masticophis anthonyi
• 
  Baja California Striped Whip Snake
  Masticophis aurigulus

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards

Squamata

FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits

Colubridae

GenusA close-knit group of very similar species

Masticophis

SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name

Masticophis schotti

Keep learning

• What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
• Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
• What Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
• How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.