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Eastern Coachwhip

Coachwhips are long and slender and usually have a black head that fades to tan at the tail.

Eastern coachwhips can grow to an average of 4-6 feet in length.  They are usually black on the head and neck with the color fading to tan at the tail.  They have very slender bodies and large heads with round pupils.  Some coachwhips lack the black color on the head and are uniformly tan or cream in color.

Eastern coachwhips are found throughout Florida except for the Keys, primarily in flatwoods, sandhill, scrub, and beach dune habitats.  They can be distinguished from black racers, which are bluish black from head to tail.  Coachwhips can move extremely fast and are harmless and nonvenomous.