Checkered Garter Snake
Thamnophis marcianus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Thamnophis, Species: T. marcianus
Found in southwestern North America, including the United States (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California), extending south through Mexico into Central America.
Look up Checkered Garter Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Thamnophis, Species: T. marcianus
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, with stable populations across most of its native range though locally threatened by habitat loss and water diversion.
Physical Description
Exhibits a prominent checkered pattern of dark spots between light stripes, with a distinct light vertebral stripe down the back. The head is slightly distinct from the neck with labial bars.
Size & Dimensions
Estimated length of this specimen is approximately 30-40 cm (juvenile or subadult). Typical adult size ranges from 45 to 90 cm in total length.
Habitat
Typically found near permanent or temporary water sources such as streams, rivers, ponds, marshes, and irrigation ditches, but can also inhabit arid regions, grasslands, and desert scrub if moisture is accessible.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on aquatic and semi-aquatic prey including amphibians, fish, earthworms, and occasionally small rodents, hunting actively by scent.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives live birth), typically producing litters ranging from 5 to 25 young born in the summer months.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, with stable populations across most of its native range though locally threatened by habitat loss and water diversion.
Cultural Significance
Plays an important ecological role in controlling amphibian and invertebrate populations in wetland and riparian ecosystems.
Notable Features
Known for its adaptability to dry environments provided there is a localized water source, and a characteristic musk release when disturbed.