Checkered garter snake
A species of Garter snakes Scientific name : Thamnophis marcianus Genus : Garter snakes
Checkered garter snake, A species of Garter snakes
Scientific name: Thamnophis marcianus
Genus: Garter snakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By neotomastolemykeys , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The checkered garter snake (Thamnophis marcianus) is a species of garter snake endemic to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
General Info
Lifespan
6-10 years
Diet
Checkered garter snake's primary diet consists of a diverse range of aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Predominantly, it consumes frogs and tadpoles, but earthworms, fish, salamanders, small mammals, and invertebrates are also frequent food choices.
Appearance
Checkered garter snake is a slender, medium-sized snake with smooth, scaly skin. It exhibits a range of color variation, often spotted with a dominantly brown, olive, or grey background, accentuated by lighter, cream-colored stripes running longitudinally. Some males may be more brightly colored, distinguishing them from their female counterparts. It carries no horns or wings but has a tapering tail, which is nearly a third of its total length.
Behavior
Checkered garter snake typically exhibits solitary behavior, with strong defensive displays under perceived threat, including body flattening and striking. This species is diurnal, meaning it's most active during the day, often found foraging in rivers and streams for its primary diet of amphibians and fish. Interestingly, checkered garter snake has been observed to engage in communal hibernation during colder months.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Natricinae Genus
Garter snakes Species
Checkered garter snake 
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