Narrow-headed Garter Snake

Thamnophis rufipunctatus

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

This rare 2 ½ - 3 ½ foot long garter snake is basically stripe-free. It is highly aquatic and seldom strays far from stream edges. Dorsally it is brown to grayish to olive and has numerous dark dorsal blotches as well as a row of alternating lateral blotches on each side. The belly is off-white to pale yellow. Scales strongly keeled and in 21 rows. Ovoviviparous. Neonates similar to adults.

 

Unique Features:

 

Habitat and Diet:

Clear, rocky, montane streams. Prey is primarily fish.

 

Geographic Range:

AZ, NM