Western Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis proximus
A slender, fast-moving striped snake closely tied to water, ranging from the central US south through Mexico into Central America.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-1.1 m (1.6-3.6 ft)
- Range
- Central and south-central United States into Mexico and Central America
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Overview
The Western Ribbon Snake is the western counterpart to the Eastern Ribbon Snake, occupying a broad range from the central United States south through Mexico and into parts of Central America. Like its eastern relative, it is closely tied to aquatic habitats.
Several subspecies exist across its wide range, varying somewhat in stripe color and intensity.
How to identify it
- Slender body with three bright stripes (often orange, yellow, or greenish) on a dark background
- Long, thin tail relative to body length
- Keeled scales
- Two pale spots often visible on top of the head
- Distinguished from the eastern ribbon snake mainly by range, with some overlap and hybridization in contact zones
Habitat & range
Found along the edges of ponds, streams, marshes, and wetlands across the central and south-central United States, Mexico, and into Central America.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and highly aquatic-associated, an agile swimmer that forages along shorelines for frogs, small fish, and invertebrates. Bears live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Western Ribbon Snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous and poses no threat to humans.
Where does it range?
From the central United States south through Mexico into parts of Central America.
What habitat does it prefer?
Shorelines of ponds, streams, marshes, and other wetlands.
Western Ribbon Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Western Ribbon Snake.
Western Ribbon Snake identified by the community
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