Checkered Garter Snake
Thamnophis marcianus
Dorsum either yellow, brown or tan with black markings resembling a checkered pattern. Yellow stripes run down back and along sides. Sides of head exhibit dark markings.…
How to identify
Dorsum either yellow, brown or tan with black markings resembling a checkered pattern. Yellow stripes run down back and along sides. Sides of head exhibit dark markings. Venter can be light or display dark markings. If picked up, usually will excrete musk and its cloacal contents. Females bear live young any time from May to October. Average total length is between 20 to 28 inches (51 - 71 cm).
Range
Southern United States and Northern Mexico; southeastern California eastward to Texas and southward to Zacatecas and northern Veracruz. Isolated populations exist in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Habitat
Usually found near water sources including streams, ponds, swamps, marshes, flooded areas, and springs. Habitats in northern regions include grasslands, savannas, and suburban gardens. Habitats in southern regions include both wet and dry tropical forests. Diet includes frogs, fish, lizards, tadpoles, and invertebrates.
Variations
Average litter size in Texas is 13 while average litter size in southeastern Arizona is 15.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Marcianus: Honoring Randolph B. Marcy.
At a glance
Range
Southern United States and Northern Mexico; southeastern California eastward to Texas and southward to Zacatecas and northern…
Habitat
Usually found near water sources including streams, ponds, swamps, marshes, flooded areas, and springs. Habitats in northern…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap