about everyone can identify a “ garter snake ” in the United States !
But here ’ s the problem :
There are multiple species and sub-species of garter snakes ! Therefore, figuring out the identity of the SPECIFIC snake you are observing can be challenging. This is particularly true since many of them have like appearances and behaviors .
today, you are going to learn about 24 garter snake species in the United States !
- *Just a quick note – to be officially considered a garter snake, the species must be in the genus Thamnophis*
I have included pictures with descriptions, videos, detail rate maps, and fun facts for all the garter snakes listed below. With a bit of practice, you are going to turn into a garter snake expert! 🙂
# 1. eastern Garter Snake
- Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults typically range from 18 to 26 inches in length.
- Coloration varies and can be mixtures of green, brown, or black. Look for a distinct yellow or whitish stripe down the center of their back.
- Some individuals may exhibit a checkered body pattern.
- Subspecies of the Common Garter Snake.
Eastern Garter Snakes are common and easy to locate in the United States!
In fact, they are typically the snake species that people come across the most. They are well-adapted to living around people and can frequently be found in city parks, farmland, cemeteries, and suburban lawns and gardens. Though it ’ s not required, they prefer grassy environments near fresh water sources such as ponds, lakes, ditches, and streams .
count for these garter snakes in the United States basking in the sun in grassy areas near cover .
Eastern Garter Snakes will protect themselves if they are cornered or feel threatened. For example, if you capture or continually disturb one, it will defecate and release a fetid musk from glands. It ’ randomness besides coarse for them to bite as a final recourse !
The Eastern Garter Snake most commonly preys on toads, frogs, slugs, salamanders, fish, and worms. however, they are very opportunist and will eat other insects and little animals they can overpower. They ’ rhenium active during both the day and night, depending on the temperature .
These garter snakes have a high birth rate (up to 50 babies!) and adapt well to human-disturbed habitats! Because of these traits, this species is not threatened and is relatively park and far-flung .
#2. Red-sided Garter Snake
- Thamnophis proximus parietalis
Identifying Characteristics:
- Normally dark green to black, but color varies.
- Three yellow stripes, one down the back and one down each side.
- As the name suggests, there are red or orange bars down their sides, located between the yellow stripes.
- Subspecies of the Common Garter Snake.
Like other garter snakes, they are habitat generalists. Look for them in the United States everywhere, including forests, shrublands, wetlands, fields, and rocky areas. Their front-runner foods include frogs, earthworms, and leeches ! YUM ! 🙂
In some areas, after emerging from hibernation, there are not adequate females for all the males. In these cases, “ copulate frenzies ” occur, and dozens and dozens of these snakes can be found together .
To survive colder months, Red-sided Garter Snakes have to hibernate BELOW the frost line. Depending on the area they are located in, it can be hard to find suitable locations. So the few adequate hibernation dens can shelter hundreds, evening thousands, of snakes ! To see an exercise, watch the video below :
#3. Western Ribbon Snake
- Thamnophis proximus
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults range from 17 to 50 inches in length. A slender snake with a long tail!
- Coloration is blackish, brown, or olive with three light-colored stripes; one down the back and one down each side.
- The sides and top of the head are dark, and the upper lip is whitish.
Did you see a slender garter snake in the middle of the United States with a long tail?
If so, it was probably a Western Ribbon Snake! This semi-aquatic species is rarely found far from a water source. They typically occupy brush-heavy areas around streams, lakes, ponds, and early water bodies. You may besides spot them basking on rocks, flat vegetation, and dry arenaceous areas near water .
The Western Ribbon Snake has an incredible, unique hunting technique. As they move over land, they make quick, light thrusts of their point and upper berth body in different directions in sequences of three. It ’ randomness similar to a strike, but with their mouth closed. This action disturbs resting frogs, which alerts the garter snake to their location. From there, the ribbon snake uses its lake superior rush to catch its prey .
If they feel threatened, this species will flee into the body of water or hide in thick brush. Their color provides superb disguise in dense, brushier areas. If grabbed, they rarely bite but will thrash around, stool, and release musk from their anal glands. This species can also shed its tail to escape, but unfortunately, the tail doesn’t regenerate like some lizard species.
Currently, the Western Ribbon Snake has a healthy population, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have threats. aquatic habitat degradation and loss and pesticides and road chemicals are believed to have dangerous damaging impacts on their numbers .
#4. Eastern Ribbon Snake
- Thamnophis saurita
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults typically range from 18 to 26 inches in length. A slender snake with a long tail!
- Coloration is brown to nearly black with three bright yellow to cream stripes; one down the back and one down each side.
- Snout and entire head are brownish, lips and underneath head are white.
Did you see a slender garter snake in the eastern United States with a long tail?
If so, it was probably an Eastern Ribbon Snake!
This species is semi-aquatic and RARELY found far from a reservoir of water. Look for them in a wide kind of habitats, including marshes, grassy floodplains, streams, ditches with grass, wet areas in meadows, and woodlands adjacent to wetlands. Ribbon snakes are even found in suburban areas that match these conditions.
You might spot these snakes basking on branches of trees, bushes, or grasses overhanging the body of water. They typically hunt in the water and prey on amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.
If disturbed, these snakes will cursorily flee into grass or bosky areas. If caught, they are not aggressive and rarely bite. But you can expect them to defecate and spray musk onto your hands. In the baseless, Eastern Ribbon Snakes trust on blending into their surroundings to get away from predators .
# 5. mundane Garter Snake
- Thamnophis elegans
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults range from 18 to 41 inches in length.
- Most adults have three yellow, light orange, or white stripes; one down their back and two down their sides.
- Coloration is widely variable. Individuals may be brownish or greenish. Some have red and black spots between the stripes, and occasionally all black individuals are found.
This garter snake can be difficult to identify in the United States!
Even trained herpetologists have issues! Its coloration varies wide, and there are believed to be 6 subspecies, although scientists still debate this .
Terrestrial Garter Snakes occupy various habitats, including both grasslands and forests. They can even be found in cragged areas up to 13,000 feet above sea level. As the name suggests, they ’ ra chiefly found on bring. But interestingly, these garter snakes can swim well !
This species is the only garter snake in the United States with a tendency to constrict prey! Most garter snakes grab their prey cursorily and barely swallow, rubbing their prey against the grate if necessary .
Terrestrial Garter Snakes aren’t aggressive or dangerous, but they do possess mildly venomous saliva! It can cause a muscleman infection or even kill some muscle weave. Most bites on humans fair cause annoyance and some swelling .
#6. Plains Garter Snake
- Thamnophis radix
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults average 36 inches in length.
- Coloration is gray-green with a distinctive orange stripe down the back and a greenish-yellow stripe down each side.
- Distinct light yellow spots on the very top of the head!
Plains Garter Snakes are almost always found in the United States in prairies and grasslands near freshwater sources. They have a reasonably large population and adapt well to human-modified landscapes, and you may spot them approach abandoned buildings, trash heaps, or vacant lots .
This species is considered to be one of the most cold-tolerant of all snakes! In fact, they will even come out of hibernation on warm winter days .
The Plains Garter Snake feeds primarily on earthworms, slugs, and small amphibians. however, they have besides been observed preying on small mammals and birds, including the Eastern Meadowlark and Bank Swallow .
# 7. Valley Garter Snake
- Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi
Identifying Characteristics
- Adults range from 18 to 55 inches in length.
- Coloration is brown to black with three yellow stripes; one down the back and one down each side.
- Pronounced red bars between the yellow stripes. Yellowish chin, jaw, and belly, and a black head, which often has red sides.
- Subspecies of the Common Garter Snake.
Valley Garter Snakes are found in assorted habitats, including forests, wetlands, scrublands, fields, shorelines, and rocky areas. They’re also well adapted to humans and are often found in urban areas.
Look for these garter snakes in the western United States under rocks, logs, and other objects, which they use for cover and thermoregulation. During the winter, they hibernate, frequently communally below the frost note. They will use a variety show of metro cavities, including mammal and spiny lobster burrows, rock candy crevices, ant mounds, a well as manmade spaces such as foundations and cisterns .
When brainsick, Valley Garter Snakes will try to escape into the water and are excellent swimmers. If captured, be prepared for them to release musk and feces onto your hands! They may besides strike, but only if they feel extremely threatened .
The Valley Garter Snake is considered a species of abject hazard. They are quite common and adjust well to human-modified habitats. However, they are frequently killed on roadways and are sometimes killed out of fear.
#8. Black-necked Garter Snake
- Thamnophis cyrtopsis
Identifying Characteristics:
- Western Black-necked Garter Snakes are dark olive with an orange-yellow stripe down the back and a yellow to white stripe down each side. It can be up to 42 inches long.
- Eastern Black-necked Garter Snakes are smaller and only grow up to 20 inches in length. They have a checkered pattern of black and yellow on their body, in between their three stripes.
- Both subspecies have a gray head that contrasts strongly with the body. In addition, there is a dark blotch on each side of the neck.
This species is found in many habitats, including desert scrub, plains, arid grasslands, and pine-oak woodlands. They ’ rhenium about constantly found in association with water system sources such as streams, ciénegas, and cattle tanks .
There are two sub-species of this garter snake; the Western AND Eastern. They look different ( see photograph above ), but they besides behave uniquely. The western subspecies ( Thamnophis cyrtopsis cyrtopsis) are water snakes and most frequently found in the actual urine. The Eastern ( Thamnophis cyrtopsis ocellatus) subspecies prefer to live on DRY LAND that is very close up to body of water .
The Black-necked Garter Snake ’ s preferred prey is frogs, toads, and their tadpoles, including poisonous species like the Sonoran Desert Toad. however, they have been known to feed on a wide roll of other prey, including earthworms, skinks, salamanders, crustaceans, and birds .
Black-necked Garter Snakes adapt well to introduced species like the American Bullfrog. They have besides benefited from the creation of cattle tanks since these snakes are dependent upon water .
# 9. Puget sound Garter Snake
- Thamnophis sirtalis pickeringii
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults range from 28 to 40 inches in length.
- Coloration is dark grey or black.
- Look for three yellow or bluish stripes; a narrow one down the back and one down each side.
This beautiful garter snake is a subspecies of the Common Garter Snake and can be found in various habitats. Look for them in forests, wetlands, shorelines, scrublands, fields, rocky areas, and urban areas. They ’ re typically spotted by rocks and logs, which they shelter under for thermoregulation .
As the name suggests, the Puget Sound Garter snake has a limited range. It is only found on Vancouver Island and the surrounding mainland coast in Canada and northwest Washington .
These garter snakes hibernate during the winter, often with other snakes of the like species. They ’ ll habit a variety of underground cavities angstrom hanker as they ’ re below the frost trace. These include mammal and spiny lobster burrows, ant mounds, rock candy crevices, foundations, cisterns, and other human structures .
Puget Sound Garter Snakes hunts a wide variety of prey, primarily during the day. They ’ ll feed on frogs, toads, salamanders, earthworms, slugs, and small fish .
fortunately, this species adapts well to human activeness, and they aren ’ t a bad species. Inside their belittled compass, they are typically the most normally seen hydra. However, they are frequently hit on roads in urban areas, face habitat loss, and are sometimes killed out of fear.
# 10. San Francisco Garter Snake
- Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adult snakes can reach up to 36 inches (sometimes even more) in length.
- Burnt-orange head with a slender turquoise-blue body featuring bold stripes.
- The stripes run down the snake’s side in a black, orange-red, black pattern.
Considered by some to be the most beautiful garter snake in the United States!
This striking creature is a subspecies of the Common Garter Snake. They are highly shy and difficult to locate and are only found in a small sphere in California. The best places to find San Francisco Garter Snakes are near dumbly vegetated ponds with nearby open hillsides. Areas with cattails, bullrushes, and spike rushes are used for cover, and open grassland areas are essential for basking .
San Francisco Garter Snakes are in danger of extinction in the United States.
unfortunately, they are much illegally collected because of their incredible beauty. They besides face habitat loss due to commercial and agricultural development .
In addition, two other factors have contributed to their decline. First, the California Red-legged Frog, one of their main prey species, is besides in decline. second, American Bullfrogs, which prey on the snakes themselves have been introduced to California from the east .
Interestingly, these garter snakes can eat California Newts, which are extremely toxic to most other animals.
#11. California Red-sided Garter Snake
- Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults range from 25 to 39 inches in length, with the females being larger.
- Prominent yellowish to bluish stripes. Red and black-barred stripes run in between.
- Slender garter snakes with a red or orange head.
- Subspecies of the Common Garter Snake.
These beautiful garter snakes occupy various habitats near the coasts of California. Look for them near bodies of water such as marshes, streams, ponds, and ditches .
Read more: Australia Maritime Strategy
Red-sided Garter Snakes are primarily active voice during the day. They feed on a wide-eyed range of prey, including frogs, newt, fish, birds, eggs, little mammals, reptiles, earthworms, slugs, and leeches. In addition, they can feed on adult Pacific Newts which are poisonous to most predators.
When disturbed, they typically try to escape into the water if available. If captured, you can expect them to bite and defecate on your pass !
The California Red-sided Garter Snake has been listed as endangered since 1967. They face habitat loss due to commercial and agrarian growth in California .
# 12. Chicago Garter Snake
- Thamnophis sirtalis semifasciatus
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults reach up to 39 inches in length.
- Coloration is dark brown or black with yellowish stripes down their back and sides.
- The stripes on their sides break into dashed lines near the head.
- The Chicago Garter Snake is a subspecies of the Common Garter Snake.
You ’ re most likely to find the Chicago Garter Snake in forest and edge habitats. But interestingly, they are only found in the region that surrounds the city of Chicago!
They prefer areas near fresh water sources and can be spotted basking in open areas. These garter snakes are especially cold-tolerant and may even leave hibernation to bask on warm winter days.
Chicago Garter Snakes are similar in behavior and appearance to Eastern Garter Snakes, and both are subspecies of the Common Garter Snake. The independent difference is in their appearance. The yellow side stripes on Chicago Garter Snakes are broken into dashed lines near the head.
#13. Texas Garter Snake
- Thamnophis sirtalis annectens
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults range from 15 to 28 inches in length.
- Coloration is greenish-black.
- Dark orange or red stripe down the back and a yellowish stripe down each side.
- Subspecies of the Common Garter Snake.
Texas Garter Snakes are hard to find in the United States !
even in their range, they are relatively uncommon, and you will seldom find them in big numbers. When Texas Garter Snakes are located, it ’ second typically near fresh water system in damp sand or dense vegetation. They look incredibly similar to Eastern and Red-sided Garter Snakes, except for the distinctive red stripe that runs down their back!
They ’ ll use assorted places for cover charge, including logs, stones, plants, underground burrows, and human drivel like erstwhile metallic and boards. They use these spots for protective covering from predators and to help them thermoregulate .
Texas Garter Snakes are harmless and less aggressive than other garter snake species. They rarely bite, except for young snakes, when they feel threatened. Adults most probable will just defecate and release fetid musk from their anal glands onto your hands !
#14. Maritime Garter Snake
- Thamnophis sirtalis pallidulus
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults can reach 40 inches in length!
- Coloration varies but is typically dark green, brown, or black. The stripes that are common on other garter snake species are missing or poorly developed.
- Features a yellowish chin, upper jaw, and belly. Some individuals may display a checkered or speckled patterning on the back.
- Subspecies of the Common Garter Snake.
Maritime Garter Snakes adapt well to humans in the United States!
They are habitat generalists and can be found about everywhere ! look for them in forests, shrublands, fields, rocky areas, wetlands, shorelines, and urban and agricultural areas. They’re commonly spotted when moving rocks or logs, where they hide underneath for protection and thermoregulation.
To survive the harsh northern winters in the United States, these garter snakes hibernate below the frost line. They ’ ll use mammal and spiny lobster burrows, rock crevices, underground cavities, ant mounds, and manmade structures such as foundations. interestingly, they frequently hibernate communally with other snakes !
This species isn’t considered threatened and can live to be TWENTY years old! They ’ re relatively common and can tolerate moderately disturbed human habitats good. however, populations near roads frequently have eminent road mortality rates .
# 15. Checkered Garter Snake
- Thamnophis marcianus
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults are typically 18 to 24 inches in length.
- Coloration is typically greenish. They have three yellow or orange stripes; one down the center of the back and one down each side.
- Look for a distinctive black checkerboard pattern on its back.
- Cream or yellow crescent marks on each side of the head are followed by a dark blotch on the neck.
The Checkered Gartersnake is most commonly found in the United States in desert and grassland habitats. Look for them near water sources, such as rivers, lakes, wetlands, cattle tanks, canals, and ditches. Living in arid conditions, these garter snakes are incredibly effective at finding water sources .
These garter snakes are active both day and night, depending on the temperature. For exemplar, they are more nocturnal during the heating system of summer .
Checkered Gartersnakes are opportunistic predators who feed on a wide variety of prey. They typically consume frogs, salamanders, toads, earthworms, minor pisces, lizards, snakes, slugs, and spiny lobster. however, they ’ ve besides been reported to eat mouse, raw horse kernel, and other snakes of their own species in captivity !
Their populations are not presently threatened. fortunately, they tolerate human development relatively well, although draining wetlands and early water sources harm their population. These garter snakes are besides able to co-exist with introduce species like the american Bullfrog .
#16. Sierra Garter Snake
- Thamnophis couchii
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults range from 18 to 38 inches in length.
- Coloration is widely variable and may be olive-brown, dark brown, or blackish. Darker blotches on the back and upper sides, which may be obscured in individuals with darker coloration.
- A light stripe on the back and sides may be present but isn’t distinctive except on the neck.
Sierra Garter Snakes are found in the western United States in oak woodlands, coniferous forests, chaparral, pine juniper, and sagebrush. They are about constantly found in association with a water source such as creeks, rivers, hayfield ponds, or little lakes. They are typically located at elevations between 3000 and 8000 feet above ocean floor .
These garter snakes chiefly feed on fish and amphibians and their larva, including frogs, tadpoles, trout, and salamanders. This species has been observed eating adult Pacific Newts which are toxic to most predators.
Not much is known about the breeding habits of the Sierra Garter Snake. however, the females have been observed giving birth to live young in deep July .
They are not believed to be a threaten species. However, the introduction of non-native fish and American Bullfrogs to their range may hurt their population. Scientists are presently monitoring the situation .
#17. Giant Garter Snake
- Thamnophis gigas
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults are LARGE and typically reach at least 64 inches in length.
- Coloration is brownish to olive.
- A yellow stripe down the back and a light stripe down each side.
This species is the LARGEST garter snake found in the United States !
expression for Giant Garter Snakes in and around wetlands and waterways such as irrigation and drain canals, ponds, sloughs, small lakes, and low-gradient streams. unfortunately, much of their original habitat has been lost, and they can now frequently be seen in flood rice fields .
During the winter, these garter snakes move to higher elevations out of flood zones. They hibernate from early November to April in little mammal burrows and early underground crevices .
Sadly, Giant Garter Snakes are threatened. Experts believe that they may soon be in danger of extinction. They face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, water contamination, road mortalities, depredation from introduce species, and changes in agrarian and state management practices .
#18. Aquatic Garter Snake
- Thamnophis atratus
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults range from 18 to 40 inches in length.
- Coloration varies greatly depending on location and subspecies.
- They may be pale grey with alternating rows of dark blotches on the sides, dark brown with less distinct borders, or nearly all black.
- May have a yellow stripe down the back or on the neck.
The Aquatic Garter Snake occupies diverse habitats in the western United States, including brushlands, woodlands, grasslands, and forests. But, as the name suggests, they are constantly near a water source such as a pond, marsh, stream, or lake .
These snakes prey on fish, salamanders, toads, and newts. They don ’ thyroxine constrict their prey but may use their consistency to encircle it in shallow water and then hit to prevent it from escaping .
Aquatic Garter Snakes feel the safest in the water. If they feel threatened or need to escape, they flee vitamin a quickly as potential to the nearest source of water !
There are THREE subspecies of the Aquatic Garter Snake, and they are named for the approximate location they can be found ; Santa Cruz, Oregon, and the Diablo Range !
#19. Two-striped Garter Snake
- Thamnophis hammondii
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults typically range from 18 to 30 inches.
- coloration is variable – dark gray, drab olive, or brown with a light stripe on the neck.
- Some individuals have yellow to gray stripes down each side, while others have two rows of dark spots down each side and typically lack a light stripe.
This highly aquatic garter snake prefers habitats close to permanent or semi-permanent water sources in California. They can be found up to 7,000 feet of elevation above sea flush .
Two-striped Garter Snakes typically hunt in body of water and prey on fish, pisces eggs, tadpoles, newt larva, humble frogs and toads, leeches, and earthworms. They even have the interesting behavior of holding themselves underwater using their tail while lunging for passing prey!
interestingly, when the Two-Striped Garter Snake is threatened, they will sometimes mimic a deadly snake by flattening their head into a triangular determine. Then, when picked up, they use the same tactics as other garter snakes, releasing musk, defecating, and striking.
This species has seen a worsen primarily due to habitat loss. Drought and destruction of wetlands for commercial and agricultural purposes have been the main contributor.
#20. Northwestern Garter Snake
- Thamnophis ordinoides
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults average between 12 and 24 inches in length.
- COLORATION IS HIGHLY VARIABLE. Individuals can be blackish, olive, brownish, bluish, or gray, sometimes with a reddish tint.
- Typically has three stripes, one down the back and one down each side. The color of these stripes can be red, yellow, orange, tan, white, greenish, or blue; however, on certain snakes, the stripes may be dull, narrow, or absent!
The Northwestern Garter Snake prefers damp areas in the westerly United States with lots of vegetation and open cheery areas. They may be spotted near houses and are much found when moving boards, logs, or other objects that they use for shroud .
This species is predominantly planetary. However, these garter snakes can swim, and some local individuals have been observed hunting in the water! They feed chiefly on slugs and earthworms, but they besides prey on snails, little amphibians, and possibly fish .
The Northwestern Garter Snake will typically flee into dense vegetation if disturbed. One study found that individuals with stripes usually move away quickly because their stripes make it difficult for predators to determine their speed. But apparent or spotted individuals frequently freeze while fleeing because their excellent camouflage helps them blend in while they ’ ra inactive .
#21. Mexican Garter Snake
- Thamnophis eques
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults may grow up to 44 inches in length. Coloration is black, brown, olive, tan, or rust.
- Three creamy yellow stripes, one down the back and one down each side, may have dark blotches on each side of the neck.
- Noticeably large head compared to other garter snakes, black outlined scales on the lower face.
This secretive garter snake is hard to find in the southwest United States! Their choose habitats are dear water sources with DENSE vegetation .
The best time to find Mexican Garter Snakes is in the morning, when they’re often active or basking in the sun, or in the early evening. They are highly aquatic and chiefly feed on frogs and fish. Try walking close to a water ’ sulfur edge, where you may see one fleeing into the water !
Sadly, this snake has been listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act since 2014. Their refuse was believed to have been caused by habitat end and the initiation of non-native species .
#22. Short-headed Garter Snake
- Thamnophis brachystoma
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults range from 10 to 22 inches in length.
- Coloration is olive green with three beige to yellow stripes, one down the back and one down each side, bordered with small black spots.
- As the name suggests, there is no apparent distinction between the head and neck.
Short-headed Garter Snakes have a small range and population in the United States. Look for them in fields or meadows by moving cover objects like rocks, logs, and other debris. however, you may besides spot them basking or moving across the landscape in search of prey .
These small snakes feed almost exclusively on earthworms. however, in enslavement, they have besides eaten leeches, salamanders, frogs, and fish .
When handled, Short-headed Garter Snakes are relatively tame and rarely bite. however, if they feel threatened, you can expect them to release feces and musk into your hands !
#23. Butler’s Garter Snake
- Thamnophis butleri
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults are slender and range from 15 to 20 inches in length.
- Coloration ranges from olive-brown to black with three yellow to orange stripes, one down the back and one down each side.
- Two rows of dark spots may be visible between the back and side stripes, and the head is usually small.
Butler’s Garter Snakes look almost identical to Eastern Garter Snakes.
so how do you tell the difference ?
What’s unique to Butler’s Garter Snakes is the placement of their side stripes! technically speaking, they are centered on the third scale row up from the large, elongated scales on the bottom of the body. The side stripes besides overlap the adjacent second and one-fourth scale rows .
But unless you ’ re a herpetologist or want to inspect a snake closely, this probably means nothing to you. For the rest of us, their head is typically a bit small compared to other garter snakes. In accession, when they are threatened, rather of fleeing, they tend to thrash around in place .
This species is considered endangered in parts of its range . Industrial development of agrarian farming has caused significant habitat personnel casualty and degradation in their range. If you want to find one, expect in damp grassy habitats, typically under cover objects like rocks, logs, boards, and early debris .
# 24. Blue-striped Garter Snake
- Thamnophis sirtalis similis
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults are typically between 18-26 inches long.
- Black or dark brown. The stripe on top is hard to see.
- As the name suggests, easy to identify blue stripes on the sides.
Blue-striped Garter Snakes are ONLY found in a small part of northwest Florida! They are a subspecies of the Common Garter Snake, and it ’ s not sympathize yet why these snakes evolved to be blue ! Scientists think their lineage dates back to subspecies that are not around anymore .
regardless, they are well one of the most beautiful snakes in the United States !
Their blue sides besides make them reasonably easy to identify. The only confusing species is the Blue-striped Ribbonsnake, which has a like roll .
attend for them along the Gulf coast from eastern Wakulla County in the panhandle south to Hernando County .
Do you need additional help identifying garter snakes?
Try this field guide !
Which of these garter snakes have you seen in the United States ?
Leave a gloss below !