Red-sided Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

Another 3 to 4 footer, this robust garter snake may be olive-brown to black above, but usually has a prominent yellow dorsal stripe. The lateral lines may be well or poorly defined. The yellowish belly may bear a good deal of black along the scute edges. The namesake red lateral bar shaped markings may be restricted to interstitial skin (the skin between the scales) or incorporate the actual scales. Scales keeled in 19 rows. Ovoviviparous. Neonates are equally variable but basically similar to adults.

 

Unique Features:

Top of head olive-brown, vertical red bars between the later and the vertebral stripes.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Search for this pretty garter snake near canals, sloughs, ponds, marshes or other water source. Preferred prey amphibians but worms and an occasional small rodent may also be eaten

 

Geographic Range:

AR, MN, TX, CO, MT, KS, MO, NE, UT, WY, ND, OK, sd