Two-striped Garter Snake
Thamnophis hammondii
A strongly aquatic garter snake of southern California streams, notable for lacking a middorsal stripe.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-1.0 m (1.6-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Coastal southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico
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Overview
The two-striped garter snake is a semi-aquatic species restricted to coastal drainages of southern California and Baja California, where it depends heavily on permanent and seasonal streams.
Unlike most garter snakes, it typically lacks the pale stripe running down the center of its back, instead showing only the two lateral stripes that give it its common name.
How to identify it
- Olive-gray to brown background color
- Two pale yellowish lateral stripes, one on each side
- Middorsal stripe usually absent or very faint
- Keeled scales
- Slender body built for swimming
- Distinguished from other California garter snakes by the missing or reduced dorsal stripe
Habitat & range
Closely tied to permanent and intermittent streams, creeks, and ponds in coastal chaparral and oak woodland habitats of southern California and northern Baja California. Rarely found far from water.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Highly aquatic and an excellent swimmer, often diving underwater to escape threats. Feeds on fish, tadpoles, and frogs. Diurnal and most active during warmer months, bearing live young in late summer.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called two-striped?
It typically shows only the two lateral stripes without the middle dorsal stripe common in other garter snakes.
Is it venomous to humans?
It has a mild rear-fanged toxin for subduing prey but is not dangerous to people.
Where is it found?
It lives along streams and creeks in coastal southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico.
How aquatic is this species?
It is one of the more water-dependent garter snakes, frequently swimming and diving to escape danger.
Two-striped Garter Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Two-striped Garter Snake.
