– Western Terrestrial Garter Snake →Terrestrial Garter Snake Snake Characteristics • Length • Body •Tail •Total • Body shape • Head • Eyes • Tail Powell et al. These snakes were observed in the river about 19% of the time, and were often observed swimming under rocks (Panik & Barrett 1994). Disclaimer: The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students.ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. Morphology. Western Terrestrial Garter Snakes are medium-sized snakes that can reach up to 107 cm (43 in.) They prefer moist grassy environments and are often found near water such as ponds, lakes and streams and rivers. The subspecies of Western Terrestrial Garter Snake found in B.C. Dark spots occasionally occur on the back. Many species of snake in the Western Hemisphere have bright red and yellow rings encircling the body. Back to top Breeding. Compared to gopher snakes, western terrestrial garter snakes showed the following characteristics indicating they are relatively inefficient constrictors: (1) greater variability in the method of applying constricting coils; (2) a weaker tendency to … commonly is called the “Wandering” Garter Snake. As with all garter snakes, the Wandering Garter Snake has strongly keeled scutes (each scale has a ridge running from front to back), giving it a dusty, dull appearance. Interactive. 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. You will mostly find a range of yellow or white stripe on the back of western terrestrial garter snakes with one stripe of the same color on both sides. 1998 Snake Characteristics • Color pattern • Ground color • Ventral coloration Schmidt and Davis 1941 Snake Characteristics • Scalation • … Common Garter Snakes are found throughout much of North America except the more arid areas of the southwest. subduing and ingesting prey. Reid AM, Haussmann MF, Bronikowski AM, Vleck C (2004) Age determination using average telomere length and bone growth rings in the western terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans). Western terrestrial garter snakes are similar in appearance to Western aquatic garter snakes, but have a well-defined stripe down the center of … 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. Western terrestrial garter snakes generally have grayish-green backs and yellow bellies. Integr Comp Biol 44:739 ; Reznick D, Bryant MJ, Roff D, Ghalambor CK, Ghalambor DE (2004) Effect of extrinsic mortality on the evolution of senescence in guppies. Western Terrestrial Garter Snake. Western Terrestrial Garter Snakes generally breed in the spring but fall mating has been reported (Storm and Leonard 1995). Latin Name. Physical Characteristics. Their body color can range from blue, prominent in Florida blue garter snakes, to the many shades of red visible in West Coast species. It is an immensely variable species, and even the most experienced herpetologists have trouble when it comes to identification. Sunny sections of meadows, oak patches, forest openings, and shrubby areas also provide suitable habitat. Facts, control & identification. Some varieties have red or black spots between the dorsal stripe and the side stripes. They are medium-sized snakes, usually … Broods of eight to 12 young are born in August and September. Like all garter snakes, they give live-birth rather than laying eggs. The colour patterns vary throughout its range. Physical Description. Along the sides, they have a yellow stripe that runs the length of the body. The western garter snake has also been known to eat small birds and carrion. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. ... terrestrial (land-dwelling) species such as racers and garter snakes are more streamlined. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. Some varieties have red or black spots between the dorsal stripe and the side stripes. This page uses frames, but your browser doesn't support them. The western terrestrial garter snake does not lay eggs, but instead is ovoviviparous, which is characteristic of natricine snakes.