Plains Garter Snake
Thamnophis radix
Either brown or black in color with an orangish stripe running down the top of the back and two yellowish stripes running down either side of body. Venter is grayish and…
How to identify
Either brown or black in color with an orangish stripe running down the top of the back and two yellowish stripes running down either side of body. Venter is grayish and displays dark blotches on sides. Females give birth in late summer and early fall; clutches range from 5-40 young.
Range
Central Canada and United States from southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba through northeastern New Mexico and northern Texas.
Habitat
Usually found near water sources including marshes, lakes, creeks, and rivers in farmland, prairie, and pinyon-juniper areas. Hibernates in burrows, anthills, and sometimes underwater.
Variations
Male tails are about 27.8% of total body length while females have tails that are 27.5% of their body length. In addition, males exhibit tubercles on chin shields.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Radix: Latin for root.
At a glance
Size
109.5 cm
Range
Central Canada and United States from southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba through northeastern New Mexico and northe…
Habitat
Usually found near water sources including marshes, lakes, creeks, and rivers in farmland, prairie, and pinyon-juniper areas.…
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap