Giant Garter Snake
(Thamnophis gigas)
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Giant Garter Snake (Thamnophis gigas) |
Color Photograph: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Color Photograph: John Brode California Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Thamnophis atratus The Santa Cruz Garter Snake is a smaller species (18 to 40 inches in length), but otherwise similar in characters. It prefers fast moving water, not the slow, lowland aquatic habitats of the Giant Garter Snake.
Thamnophis elegans The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake is a smaller species (18 to 40 inches in length), but otherwise superficially similar. The internasal scales are wider than long without pointed tips. A terrestrial species, not aquatic.
Thamnophis couchii A montane species of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, usually found along fast-running streams. Dorsal stripe present, but weak or indistinct.
Thamnophis sirtalis In areas of sympatry between these two species, the Common Garter Snake has red blotches between the dorsal and lateral stripes. The Common Garter Snake is more terrestrial in habitat. Giant Garter Snake (Thamnophis gigas) Identification: Snake 35 to 65 inches in length. The largest of the garter snakes. Ground color olive-brown to black. Dorsal midline usually with a conspicuous yellow to orange stripe. Sides of body with a conspicuous yellow lateral stripe located on scale rows 2 and 3. Stripes may be weak to absent in the San Joaquin Valley. Belly light brown to light gray. Internasal scales longer than wide, usually with apical ends pointed. Chin scales (the two pairs of large scales on the underside of the head) with rear pair longer than the front pair (Head Scales Diagram). Dorsal scales keeled and anal plate single. Geographical Variation: None. Range (see map below left): Distribution restricted to the Central Valley region of California. Currently ranges from Glenn County in the north southward to the southern parts of the San Francisco Bay region and from Merced County to northern Fresno County. Habitat: The Giant Garter Snake is an aquatic species found in marshes, sloughs, irrigation canals, and drainage ditches. Food: Small fish and frogs. Behavior: This is an aquatic species of slow moving water. It prefers areas with dense vegetation. It is active during the daytime, but is difficult to approach, dropping into the water when disturbed. Reproduction: The female are live-bearing. Young are born from July to September.
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Giant Garter Snake (Thamnophis gigas)
Similar Species Santa Cruz Garter Snake (Thamnophis atratus)
Western Aquatic Garter Snake (Thamnophis couchii) Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) |
Similar Species |
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