| Species | Masticophis taeniatus Hollowell |
| Family | Colubridae (Colubrids) |
| Status | State Candidate |
| State Rank | S1 |
| Global Rank | G5 |
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This is a long slender snake that is dark above with alternating light and dark stripes down the length of the body. Adults range in size from 90 to 180 cm total length. The belly is white and the underside of the tail is pinkish or coral colored. The eyes are large and the pupil is round. The scales are smooth with 15 rows at mid-body. See Photos Page.
The only other large striped snakes in Washington are the garter snakes. The Striped Whipsnake differs from these in having smooth scales, 15 dorsal scale rows, and a dark mid-dorsal area between the lateral stripes. See Key Features Page.
No research has been done on the Striped Whipsnake in Washington. Activity probably begins in early April, similar to other snakes in the Columbia Basin. They are active during the day. Based on studies from other states, mating occurs shortly after emergence from hibernation, eggs are laid in July, incubation takes approximately 50-58 days, and young hatch in late summer and fall. They overwinter communally with other snake species and use the same hibernaculum every year.
Striped Whipsnakes occur in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion. They have been documented from Yakima, Kittitas, Grant, Benton, Franklin, Lincoln and Walla Walla counties. Most observations have been in Grant County near the Columbia River between Vantage and Mattawa. See Distribution Map.
For information on the complete range of this species, see NatureServe Explorer.
Little is known about the habitat requirements in Washington. The areas of Grant County where they occur have relatively undisturbed shrub-steppe habitat with a low cover of cheatgrass.
Striped Whipsnakes have been documented in Washington only 26 times. In the last decade, only 3 observations have been reported.
All sightings of this species should be reported to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Information on current distribution and status are needed, as well as life history information.
Conversion of occupied shrub-steppe habitat to agricultural lands, or other uses, is the primary threat to this species. Destruction of hibernacula is also a threat.
The Washington Natural Heritage Program (L. Hallock), in cooperation with the WDFW and BLM, plans to investigate habitat use and relative abundance of a population in Grant County starting in 2005.
Nussbaum et al. (1983), Parker and Brown (1973), Stebbins (1985), Storm and Leonard (1995).
Hallock, L.A. and McAllister, K.R. 2005. Striped Whipsnake. Washington Herp Atlas. http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/herp/
Last updated: February 2005