More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
Optimized for viewing on desktop or laptop
Snakes of Zihuatanejo
SUBORDER SERPENTES
Neotropical Whip Snake
-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)
-Snakes and Lizards (Order Squamata)
-Colubrid Snakes (Family Colubridae)
-Whipsnakes (Genus Masticophis)
-Neotropical Whip Snake (Masticophis mentovarius)
The Neotropical Whip Snake is a medium-sized snake found in Central and South America. It is typically a brownish-gray color, with a white underside, and grows up to 6 feet in length. This species prefers semi-arid habitats, such as rocky areas and dry forests, where it feeds mainly on small mammals and birds. The Neotropical Whip Snake has a wide range, from Mexico to Argentina.
Masticophis mentovarius
Diet
Carnivorous, feeding primarily on lizards, snakes, frogs, rodents, small birds, bird eggs, bats, and large insects.
Juveniles feed mainly on lizards, frogs, and large insects.
An active daytime hunter that relies on exceptional eyesight and speed to pursue prey, which it subdues by seizing it with its jaws rather than by constriction.
Range
Found from southern Texas through Mexico, Central America, and into northern South America, including Colombia and Venezuela.
In Mexico, it occurs along both the Pacific and Gulf slopes, including Guerrero and the Zihuatanejo region.
Found from sea level to about 2,000 m (6,560 ft).
Habitat
Inhabits tropical dry forests, thorn scrub, tropical deciduous forests, savannas, woodland edges, secondary forests, coastal scrub, and agricultural areas.
Usually encountered in open, sunny habitats, where it moves rapidly across the ground or through low shrubs.
Occasionally climbs trees and shrubs while searching for prey.
Size
Total length: 1.2–2.0 m (4–6.6 ft)
Average adult length: 1.5–1.8 m (5–6 ft)
Weight: 300–900 g