Blue-striped Ribbon Snake

Thamnophis sauritus nitae

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

Black above with very pale to bright blue lateral lines. The vertebral line is absent or foreshortened. If present it may pale and terminate before reaching the tail. Lateral stripes are better defined and complete. Belly pale blue. Facial striping absent. Instead there is a vertical bluish or white preocular spot. Scales are keeled and in 19 rows. This slender, alert, dark colored, 3-lined, snake is often found near water. Ovoviviparous. Neonates similar to adults.

Unique Features:

Facial striping absent. Instead this ribbon snake may be identified by the vertical blue to white preocular spot and the blue-striped black body.

Habitat and Diet:

Usually in the proximity of water where it can find its prey of amphibians and an occasional small fish.