Gartersnake
Thamnophis sp. • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Thamnophis
North America, ranging from Canada through the United States down into Mexico.
Look up Gartersnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Thamnophis
Conservation
Most species within this genus are classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though localized populations face threats from habitat loss and road mortality.
Physical Description
Slender body with keeled scales, featuring distinct longitudinal light stripes along a darker background coloration with checkered or spotted patterns between the stripes. The head is relatively distinct from the neck.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen shown appears to be a juvenile approximately 25-35 cm in length; typical adult sizes for the genus range from 46 to 130 cm depending on the specific species.
Habitat
Found in a diverse array of habitats including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and suburban areas, typically near water sources such as ponds, marshes, and streams.
Diet & Feeding
Diet primarily consists of amphibians, fish, earthworms, and occasionally small rodents or other reptiles, utilizing an active foraging strategy.
Reproduction
Most species in this genus are live-bearing (viviparous), giving birth to litters of 10 to 40 or more young in the late summer.
Conservation Status
Most species within this genus are classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though localized populations face threats from habitat loss and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Frequently encountered in suburban yards across North America, serving an important ecological role in controlling amphibian and invertebrate populations.
Notable Features
Known for high adaptability to human-altered environments, often releasing musk when disturbed.