whip snake

Any of the various species of nonpoisonous slender-bodied tree-dwelling snakes of the New World genus Masticophis, family Colubridae. They are closely allied to members of the genus Coluber of southwestern North America, Eurasia, Australasia, and North Africa, some of which are called whip snakes in the Old World, but racers in North America.

Whip snakes grow to about 1.5 m/5 ft in length, move very quickly, and are partially tree-dwelling. They feed on rodents, small birds, lizards, sucker frogs, and insects. All lay eggs.