Aquatic Garter Snake
ExploreReptiles
Aquatic Garter Snake
Thamnophis atratus
The Aquatic Garter Snake is a friendly snake that loves to swim and hunt for fish. It has beautiful stripes and can often be found near water, making it a special sight to see!
Habitat: Wetlands
Appearance
The Aquatic Garter Snake is typically dark olive to black with a dull yellow or orange stripe often running down its back. It sometimes has fainter side stripes. Its plain dark belly helps distinguish it and provides camouflage in murky water.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyColubridaeGenusThamnophis
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its tongue flicking not only tastes the air but also smells underwater to find hidden prey!
These snakes give birth to live babies, swimming immediately after they are born!
They can eat poisonous newts and salamanders that would make other animals very sick!
When scared, they might release a smelly, musky liquid to make predators think twice about eating them!
Special abilities
Ability
Underwater Hunter
Aquatic Garter Snake can hunt fish underwater because it has great vision and can hold its breath for several minutes.
Ability
Toxic Meal Master
Aquatic Garter Snake has unique physiological resistance that lets it safely eat poisonous newts and salamanders.
Ability
Slippery Swimmer
Aquatic Garter Snake has a sleek body and keeled scales that help it glide effortlessly and quickly through water.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 46-100 cm
- Weight
- 0.05-0.2 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Top Speed
- 8 km/h
- Swim Speed
- 1.5 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 3 m
Diet & Feeding
An agile hunter, it eats small fish, amphibians, and invertebrates found in its watery home.
Primary Foods
- Fish
- Frogs
- Tadpoles
- Salamanders
- Newts
- Leeches
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eats
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
often hunts small fish like trout in its streams and ponds.
eats
California Newt
Taricha torosa
consumes newts, including their toxic skin, showing unique immunity.
eaten by
Green Heron
Butorides virescens
hunted by various wading birds and raptors near water sources.
eats
Northern Red-legged Frog
Rana aurora
preys on various frogs and their tadpoles found in aquatic habitats.
Traits
Striped
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Wetland
This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a snake, it's best to watch from a distance and not touch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Aquatic Garter Snake?
46-100 cm
How much does Aquatic Garter Snake weigh?
0.05-0.2 kg
How long does Aquatic Garter Snake live?
5-10 years
How fast can Aquatic Garter Snake move?
8 km/h
What does Aquatic Garter Snake eat?
An agile hunter, it eats small fish, amphibians, and invertebrates found in its watery home.
How fast can Aquatic Garter Snake swim?
1.5 km/h
Where is Aquatic Garter Snake usually found?
Wetlands
How does Aquatic Garter Snake hunt?
Pursuit
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