Giant garter snake
A species of Garter snakes Scientific name : Thamnophis gigas Genus : Garter snakes
Giant garter snake, A species of Garter snakes
Scientific name: Thamnophis gigas
Genus: Garter snakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Bill Stagnaro , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas) is the largest species of garter snake. It is largely aquatic.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Giant garter snake has a carnivorous diet primarily composed of amphibians. This species shows particular predilection for Sierra chorus frogs, a fact that implies an intrinsic aspect of its ecological niche.
Appearance
Giant garter snake is a large, slim-bodied snake with smooth, polished scales. Its general coloration ranges from olive to brown, often with olive-green, yellow, or orange dorsal and lateral stripes. These stripes become more pronounced during the breeding season. There are no significant visual differences between males and females or any known subspecies.
Behavior
Giant garter snake is typically a solitary species with strong territorial tendencies. They are diurnal, primarily active during the day in warm months. Giant garter snake specializes in aquatic foraging, consuming a diet largely consisting of amphibians. This species showcases unique defensive behavior by enlarging the head and neck region when threatened.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Bill Stagnaro , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Natricinae Genus
Garter snakes Species
Giant garter snake