Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
Extremely variable in coloration due to several subspecies & individual variations. Generally a dark colored base, occurring in shades of grey, brown, green, or black, wi…
How to identify
Extremely variable in coloration due to several subspecies & individual variations. Generally a dark colored base, occurring in shades of grey, brown, green, or black, with a central lighter colored stripe running down the dorsal length of body from head to tail tip. Stripe can occur in shades of orange, yellow, white, and tan. Main stripe is flanked on either side by narrow side stripes, sometimes occurring with black or red spots between stripes. Varies in adult length from 18 to 41 inches long.
Range
Found throughout the Western half of the continental United States, southwestern Canada, and into the Baja peninsula of Mexico.
Habitat
Primarily terrestrial. Found from sea level up to 13,000 ft elevation. Habitats are diverse including grasslands, deserts, mountains, forests, and wetlands. Some subspecies are semi-aquatic.
Variations
Females significantly larger than males. Melanistic variants occur occasionally.
Name and etymology
Elegans: Latin for elegant.
More illustrations
Blue coloring
San-Pedro-Martir Garter Snake
Mountain Garter Snake
Wandering Garter Snake
At a glance
Size
18-41 inches
Range
Found throughout the Western half of the continental United States, southwestern Canada, and into the Baja peninsula of Mexic…
Habitat
Primarily terrestrial. Found from sea level up to 13,000 ft elevation. Habitats are diverse including grasslands, deserts, mo…
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap