Couch's garter snake
A species of Garter snakes, Also known as Western aquatic garter snake Scientific name : Thamnophis couchii Genus : Garter snakes
Couch's garter snake, A species of Garter snakes
Also known as:
Western aquatic garter snake
Scientific name: Thamnophis couchii
Genus: Garter snakes
Content
Description General Info
Description
The Sierra garter snake (Thamnophis couchii), also known as the western aquatic garter snake, is a species of snake of the family Colubridae. It is native to California and Oregon in the United States.
General Info
Lifespan
6-10 years
Diet
Couch's garter snake's diet primarily consists of amphibians like frogs and toads. They also consume small fishes, worms, and terrestrial arthropods, exhibiting an opportunistic feeding behavior to adapt to their environment.
Appearance
Couch's garter snake is a medium-sized, slender snake with smooth, glossy scales. It exhibits a range of coloration from brown to green, with light longitudinal stripes running down its body. The belly is generally cream to yellowish, often with black markings. Its head is slightly larger than the neck and it has round pupils. There are no significant differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Couch's garter snake is predominantly aquatic, known for its diurnal foraging in water for prey like fish and amphibians. It employs stealth and fast strikes as a hunting strategy. Being largely solitary, it only gathers with conspecifics for hibernation. Survival adaptations include strong swimming skills and camouflage capabilities against water and riparian vegetation.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Natricinae Genus
Garter snakes Species
Couch's garter snake 
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