Northwestern garter snake
A species of Garter snakes Scientific name : Thamnophis ordinoides Genus : Garter snakes
Northwestern garter snake, A species of Garter snakes
Scientific name: Thamnophis ordinoides
Genus: Garter snakes
Content
Description General Info
Description
The northwestern garter snake (Thamnophis ordinoides) is a species of colubrid snake endemic to North America.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Northwestern garter snake primarily feeds on amphibians, prominently on larval and adult forms of newts and frogs. Slugs, earthworms, and small fish also constitute a significant part of its diet.
Appearance
Northwestern garter snake is a slender, medium-sized snake with tri-color pattern. The back is usually light to dark brown, bordered by two distinct stripes of yellow or creamy white. The belly is a pale color, often matching the stripes. It has a long thin tail and a head barely wider than the body. This species showcases little variation in appearance due to age, sex, or subspecies.
Behavior
Northwestern garter snake displays diurnal foraging behavior, actively hunting during the day for its preferred prey, primarily amphibians. Despite being non-venomous, it exhibits a unique survival trick, simulating deadly rattlesnakes by trembling its tail in dry leaves. Remarkably solitary, northwestern garter snake only socializes during the mating season. Rather than marking territories, it tends to occupy large overlapping home ranges without much conflict.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Natricinae Genus
Garter snakes Species
Northwestern garter snake