Dolichophis jugularis facts for kids
The black whipsnake, also known as the large whip snake, is a fascinating reptile found in parts of West Asia. Its scientific name is Dolichophis jugularis. This snake belongs to a big family of snakes called Colubridae. It's known for its sleek black color when it's an adult.
Quick facts for kids Dolichophis jugularis |
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| Dolichophis jugularis preying on a sheltopusik | |
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Dolichophis |
| Species: |
D. jugularis
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| Binomial name | |
| Dolichophis jugularis (Linnaeus, 1758)
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| Synonyms | |
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Contents
Where Do They Live?
The black whipsnake can be found in many countries across West Asia. These include Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malta, and Syria.
Home Sweet Home
These snakes are quite adaptable and live in many different places. You might find them in forests, areas with lots of bushes, open grasslands, or even near freshwater wetlands. They can live in places up to about 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) high.
What Do They Look Like?
Adult black whipsnakes are usually all black on their backs. But when they are young, they look quite different! Baby black whipsnakes are tan with darker spots or blotches. This spotted pattern disappears as they grow older, usually when they are three to four years old. Then they become completely black.
Snake Babies!
The black whipsnake is an oviparous species. This means that the female snake lays eggs instead of giving birth to live young. A female black whipsnake usually lays between 7 and 11 eggs at a time.
Different Kinds of Black Whipsnakes
Scientists recognize three main types, or subspecies, of the black whipsnake. These are:
- Dolichophis jugularis asianus
- Dolichophis jugularis cypriacus
- Dolichophis jugularis jugularis
 | John T. Biggers |
 | Thomas Blackshear |
 | Mark Bradford |
 | Beverly Buchanan |
