Short-headed Garter Snake
Thamnophis brachystoma
A small, range-restricted garter snake found only in a narrow area of Pennsylvania and New York, specialized for hunting earthworms.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.3-0.5 m (1-1.6 ft)
- Range
- Northwestern Pennsylvania and adjacent southwestern New York
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Overview
The short-headed garter snake has one of the most restricted ranges of any North American garter snake, occurring only in parts of northwestern Pennsylvania and adjacent southwestern New York.
It is a terrestrial earthworm specialist, closely related to Butler's garter snake, and is typically found in open grassy fields rather than near water.
How to identify it
- Very small, blunt head barely wider than the neck
- Brown to olive-brown background
- Three yellowish longitudinal stripes
- Keeled scales
- Small overall body size compared to most garter snakes
- Distinguished by its extremely limited range and diminutive head shape
Habitat & range
Restricted to open fields, meadows, and grassy edges in a small region of northwestern Pennsylvania and adjacent southwestern New York, generally away from large bodies of water.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Terrestrial and diurnal, feeding almost exclusively on earthworms found in soil and under cover. Bears live young in late summer. Its restricted range makes it a species of local conservation interest.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the short-headed garter snake live?
It is found only in a small region of northwestern Pennsylvania and adjacent southwestern New York.
What does it eat?
It feeds almost exclusively on earthworms, rarely taking other prey.
Is it venomous?
It has mild venom for subduing prey but is harmless to humans.
How is it different from other garter snakes?
Its small size, blunt head, and extremely restricted range distinguish it from more widespread garter snake species.
Short-headed Garter Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Short-headed Garter Snake.
