Mexican
Garter Snake (Thamnophis eques)
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Mexican
Garter Snake (Thamnophis eques) |
Mexican Distribution Not Shown |
Thamnophis cyrtopsis A large, black blotch is found at the rear margin of the head of both sides of the neck.
Thamnophis marcianus Sides of body with large, square black blotches contrasting with the much lighter background color.
Thamnophis radix Distribution more northern, outside the range of the Mexican Garter Snake. Head usually with 7 upper labial scales, not 8 as in the Mexican Garter Snake. Mexican Garter Snake (Thamnophis eques) Identification: Snake 18 to 40 inches in length. Body with three yellow stripes, one on the dorsum midline, and one on each side of the body on the 3rd and 4th scale rows. Top of head dark gray-green with the underside of the head and the lower lateral sides dull yellow streaked with black. A crescent-shaped dull yellow marking at the corner of the mouth. Area between midline and lateral stripe dark gray-green, sometimes with dark blotches, but blotches not distinct, not contrasting with the background color. Region below the lateral stripe dull white with vague darker blotches. Belly white. Dorsal scales keeled and anal plate single. Geographical Variation: A single subspecies occurs in the United States; Thamnophis eques megalops. Range (see map on left): The Mexican Garter Snake has a wide distribution in Mexico to Oaxaca. This species occurs in southeastern Arizona with an isolated population in southwestern New Mexico. Habitat: In the United States this species is usually found in upper canyons in pine-oak forests. However it also occurs in other habitats such as grasslands and desert, as well as along streams and lowland valleys. Food: Apparently mostly frogs. Behavior: Diurnal, mostly found around streams. Reproduction: Adults are live-bearing with young born between June and August. |
Mexican Garter Snake (Thamnophis eques)
Similar Species: Black-Necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) Checkered Garter Snake (Thamnophis marcianus) Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix) |
Similar Species
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