Plains Garter Snake

PlainsGarterSnake

Plains Garter SnakeNONVENOMOUS

Scientific Name: Thamnophis radix
Family: Natricidae
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Description & Size


  • Legless
  • No eyelids
  • Lacks external ears
  • Scales on the back have a ridge in the middle (keeled)
  • Single anal scale
  • Lightly colored stripe on each side of the snake that runs head to tail on the 3rd and 4th scale rows above the belly scales (ventral scales)
  • Scales on the lip have black lines extending from mouth to chin
  • Total length: 38.0-109.5 cm (15.0-43.1 in)
  • Yellow to orange stripe extending from the head to the tail down the middle of the back
  • Alternating row of black spots above and below the stripe on the side of the body

Habitat


  • Wet prairies with wetlands associated with them
  • Woodland/grassland riparian edges

Diet


  • Amphibians
  • Fish
  • Worms
  • Slugs

Life History


  • Diurnal, rarely nocturnal
  • Active season: March – October
  • Breeding season: March – early June
  • Gives live birth
  • 3-35 young per female
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