Short-headed Garter Snake

Thamnophis brachystoma

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This specie is quite small, compared to other garter snakes. It has a small sized neck and head. Its head is akin to the color of its dorsal background. It has an olive…

How to identify

This specie is quite small, compared to other garter snakes. It has a small sized neck and head. Its head is akin to the color of its dorsal background. It has an olive brownish, brownish or greenish dorsal background. It has three stripes on its body. One is a bright yellow colored vertebral stripe and the other two stripes, though faint, are lateral. It may grow to about 25 inches. Unlike other garter snakes, it does not have dark spots between its stripes. The females have a more engorged sex organ than the males.

Range

It can be found in Northeastern part of the United States. It is primarily present in Pennsylvania, Michigan and New York.

Habitat

Short headed garters snakes prefer to stay under hooded objects like logs and rocks. It feeds mainly on earthworms and other annelids. If this is unavailable, however, they may feed on fish. It is usually found in woodlands, forests and at other times, near bodies of water. Breeding typically takes place in spring. Some females breed yearly while other breed once every two years. Most commonly, females are seen to have already developed ovarian follicles.

Similar species

The Common Garter snake (Thamnophis Sirtalis) is often found near bodies of water. It has three faint continuing lines that run on its body. These stripes may appear brown, green, white or blue. Dark spots can be seen around the stripes. Its head is usually wide and evenly dark. The tongue of the common garter snake is usually red with a black tinge. It may grow to about 55 inches. Butler’s garter snake (Thamnophis butleri) is usually small and has three distinct yellow and sometimes, orange stripes on its body. The color of the backdrop may be olive, brown or black. Sometimes, it dons two rows of dark spots on its sides or back. Its head is very small, unlike other garter snakes. Lateral stripes appear on the third scale row. They may also be seen on the fourth scale row. Adults may attain a length of about 30 inches. Sierra garter snake (Thamnophis couchii) is colored any way from dark, to brown to olive. It has indistinct stripes that run through its body. Dark blotches may be present in the midst of the stripes. The stripes may sometimes be absent. It may grow to about 35 inches.