Texas garter snake
The Texas garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis annectens) is a subspecies of the common garter snake (T. sirtalis) endemic to the United States.
| Thamnophis sirtalis annectens | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Texas garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis annectens | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Thamnophis |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | T. s. annectens |
| Trinomial name | |
| Thamnophis sirtalis annectens Brown, 1950 | |
Geographic range
It is found predominantly in central Texas,[1] with disjunct populations in Kansas and South Dakota.
Habitat
Texas garter snakes are a terrestrial species. They are uncommon, even in their central Texas range, and seldom found in large numbers. They can be found in a wide range of habitats, but are usually close to a water source. They have typically been found in stream-side vegetation or in damp soil near bodies of water. They can be found under objects like old metal, or wood, under ground, and in plants.[1]
Description
Completely harmless, and a member of the colubrid family, it is easily mistaken for other garter snake species. It has a greenish-black back with a distinctive bright-orange or red stripe down the center and yellowish stripes on either side of the body that extend through the second, third, and fourth rows of scales above the belly plates.[1] Adults range in length from 38 to 71 cm (15 to 28 in).[1]
Defense
This snake is generally not aggressive, although younger specimens have been known to strike when cornered. If handled, it will often flail about wildly to try to escape and release a foul-smelling musk from its cloaca.
References
- Dixon, James R.; Werler, John E. (2000). Texas Snakes: A Field Guide. Austin, Texas: University of Texas Press. pp. 284–285. ISBN 978-0-292-70675-0.
Species Thamnophis sirtalis at The Reptile Database