Common garter snake
A species of Garter snakes Scientific name : Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis Genus : Garter snakes
Common garter snake, A species of Garter snakes
Scientific name: Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis
Genus: Garter snakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By paul-baldon , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Common garter snake represents an intriguing study in ecological adaptation, demonstrating a hemipenes morphology unique among garter snakes, potentially contributing to optimized reproductive success. This species, primarily diurnal in habit, exhibits an opportunist feeding strategy, consuming a wide variety of prey, including earthworms, amphibians, and fish, indicating a role as a medium-level predator within its North American freshwater ecosystems.
General Info
Lifespan
6-10 years
Diet
Common garter snake exhibits a predominantly carnivorous diet, noted for its particular inclination towards amphibians like frogs and toads. It further supplements its nourishment with small rodents, birds, fish, and various invertebrates.
Appearance
Common garter snake is a medium-sized, slender serpent with smooth scales predominantly red-orange with black stripes running longitudinally. Their belly is cream or pale yellow, sometimes with black spots. Young resemble adults but with more pronounced color contrast. Females are typically larger than males.
Behavior
Common garter snake exhibits a secretive lifestyle, sheltering under rocks or in burrows, coming out to forage or bask in sunlight. It displays aggressive defensive behavior by coiling and striking when threatened. This species is also notable for its adaptive viviparity, giving live birth in cold climates to increase offspring survival chances.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Natricinae Genus
Garter snakes Species
Common garter snake 
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