Narrow-headed Garter Snake
(Thamnophis rufipunctatus)
|
|
|
Narrow-headed Garter Snake (Thamnophis rufipunctatus) |
Color Photographs: © by and courtesy of Gary Nafis
|
Narrow-headed Garter Snake (Thamnophis rufipunctatus) Identification: Snake 18 to 34 inches in length. This species is an unlikely looking garter snake. The color is either olive-gray or brown. Stripes are missing from both the back and the sides. Back and sides with large rectangular blotches, blotches becoming obscure towards the tail. Head elongate. The eyes are located high on the head giving the top of the head a bumpy look. Belly usually red, but orange to yellow in some individuals. Scales keeled and anal plate single. Geographical Variation: None. Range (see map below left): This species occurs in central and eastern Arizona, eastward as far as extreme west-central New Mexico. The snake also occurs in Mexico, primarily in the Sierra Madre Occidental. Habitat: The Narrow-headed Garter Snake occurs along streams in the pinon-juniper and ponderosa pine habitats of Arizona. Food: Fish, frogs, and salamanders. Behavior: This species is highly aquatic and is rarely seen far from the banks of a stream. It prefers well lit areas. If disturbed it takes to the water, hiding at the bottom of the stream. Reproduction: This species is live-bearing and the young are born during the summer.
|
Similar Species: The distinctive appearance of the Narrow-necked Garter Snake immediately separates it from any other garter snake species. The blotched appearance and the aquatic habits of the species make it resemble a water snake of the genus (Nerodia). However no species of the genus Nerodia occurs within its range. In addition the anal plate is usually single, not divided as in the water snakes. |
Similar Species No Similar Species |
 |
