Northwestern Garter Snake
(Thamnophis ordinoides)
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Northwestern Garter Snake (Thamnophis ordinoides) |
Color Photographs: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Thamnophis elegans Head with 8 (not 7) upper labial scales and 10 (not 8 or 9) lower labials. Lateral stripe on scale rows 2 and 3, not 3 and 4. Belly not marked with red blotches or smears.
Thamnophis atratus The Santa Cruz Garter Snake is primary found around water and is not terrestrial. Lateral stripes (if present) on the 2nd and 3rd scale rows. Head usually with 8 upper labials. Belly without red blotches or smears.
Thamnophis sirtalis Within the area of overlap in distribution of the Common Garter Snake and the Northwestern Garter Snake, the body of the Common Garter Snake usually has red blotches on its sides. Lateral stripe on the 2nd and 3rd scale rows. Northwestern Garter Snake (Thamnophis ordinoides) Identification: Snake 12 to 38 inches in length. An extremely variable species, both in color and the intensity of the body stripes. Ground color brown, gray, or black, with all variations possible. Dorsal body stripe present, white, yellow, orange, red, or blue. Lateral stripes either distinct or weak, located on the 3rd and 4th scale rows. areas between the dorsal and lateral stripes usually with small, darker spots. Belly variable in color from yellow to brown, or black, usually with red blotches or smears, sometimes also with black streaks. [Head scale descriptions]. Head usually with 7 upper labials and 8 or 9 lower labials. Dorsal scales keeled and anal plate single. Geographical Variation: None. Range (see map below left): The Northwestern Garter Snake is a denizen of the Pacific Northwest ranging from western British Columbia north, southward along the Pacific Coast to extreme northwestern California. Habitat: This species is primarily terrestrial and is found mostly in meadows and forest openings. Food: Slugs, earthworms, frogs, and salamanders. Behavior: The Northwestern Garter Snake is diurnal and is most commonly seen on bright, sunny days. The species is terrestrial, not aquatic. Reproduction: The species is a live-bearer. Adults mate in the spring and 3 to 15 young are born between June and August. |
Similar Species: Because of the massive variation in color and markings of this species, scale characters must often be used to insure correct identification.
Sierra Garter Snake (Thamnophis atratus) Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
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Similar Species |
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