Common garter snake
A species of Garter snakes, Also known as California red-sided garter snake, San francisco garter snake, Valley garter snake, Red-sided garter snake Scientific name : Thamnophis sirtalis Genus : Garter snakes
Common garter snake, A species of Garter snakes
Also known as:
California red-sided garter snake, San francisco garter snake, Valley garter snake, Red-sided garter snake
Scientific name: Thamnophis sirtalis
Genus: Garter snakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By karavanslyck , used under ALL RIGHTS RESERVED /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is a species of natricine snake, which is indigenous to North America and found widely across the continent. Most common garter snakes have a pattern of yellow stripes on a black, brown or green background, and their average total length (including tail) is about 55Â cm (22Â in), with a maximum total length of about 137Â cm (54Â in). The average body mass is 150Â g (5.3Â oz).
General Info
Lifespan
6-10 years
Diet
Common garter snake primarily feeds on cold-blooded species, favoring amphibians and earthworms. Its predatory behavior patterns are dictated by the local diversity and abundance of prey. It's particularly attracted to leeches, slugs, and occasionally small fish.
Appearance
Common garter snake is a slender, medium-sized snake with a slightly keeled scale texture. It's notable for its variation in color, exhibiting shades ranging from green, brown, to bluish. Characteristic stripes run longitudinally down its body, with the number varying among subspecies. Common garter snake has no significant differences due to age or gender, maintaining a uniform look throughout its life cycle.
Behavior
Common garter snake is a semi-aquatic and diurnal species, known for its active foraging behavior in diverse environments ranging from arid to aquatic habitats. This solitary hunter, using chemoreception to find its prey, primarily feeds on amphibians and earthworms. It shows defensive behavior, such as coiling and striking when threatened, but does not mark or aggressively defend its territory.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Natricinae Genus
Garter snakes Species
Common garter snake 
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