| Western terrestrial garter snake | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Subfamily: | Natricinae |
| Genus: | Thamnophis |
| Species: | T. elegans |
| Binomial name | |
| Thamnophis elegans (Baird & Girard, 1853)[1] |
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| Synonyms | |
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The Western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) is a species of colubrid snake. Seven subspecies are currently recognized.
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It is found only in Southwestern Canada, and the Western United States.
Most Western terrestrial garter snakes have a yellow, light orange, or white dorsal stripe, accompanied by two stripes of the same color, one on each side. Some varieties have red or black spots between the dorsal stripe and the side stripes. It is an immensely variable species, and even the most experienced herpetologists have trouble when it comes to identification. They are medium-sized snakes, usually 46-104 cm (18-41 inches).
Thamnophis elegans often inhabits coniferous forests, is relatively aquatic, and is found at altitudes of up to 13,000 feet (3,962 metres).
It will eat just about everything it can find, and is one of only two garter snakes known to cannibalize.
The western terrestrial garter snake does not lay eggs, but instead is ovoviviparous, which is characteristic of natricine snakes. Broods of 8-12 young are born in August and September.[2]