Northwestern Garter Snake

Thamnophis ordinoides

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

This is a variably colored, smaller, garter snake that is adult at 2 to 2 ½’ long. Ground color may be black, brown, greenish, or blue. Tiny red flecks may be present in the black field. Stripes may be orange, yellow, or bluish. Dorsal stripe may be prominent, faint, or absent. Lateral stripes are equally variable. Belly may be unicolored but more often has blotches of red or blue thereon. Ovoviviparous. Neonates are similar to adults.

 

Unique Features:

Dorsal stripe may be prominent, faint, or absent. Lateral stripes are equally variable. Belly may be unicolored but more often has blotches of red or blue thereon.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Prefers grasslands, pastures, and clearings but readily uses shrubs, etc., for cover when frightened. Prey consists primarily of worms, slugs, and amphibians.

 

Geographic Range:

CA, OR, WA,