ExploreReptiles

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Thamnophis elegans

The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake is a friendly snake that loves to slither through grass and bushes. They are often seen basking in the sun and are great at catching small bugs and frogs.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake has a slender body, often brown, grey, or olive, with a distinctive yellow or orange stripe down its back. It may also display two lighter side stripes and black spots between the stripes, giving it a checkered look.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyColubridaeGenusThamnophis
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
striped trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgegrassland trait badge
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

They can sometimes gather in huge groups, hundreds of snakes, to stay warm!

They give birth to live babies, not eggs, just like some mammals!

This snake has tiny, mild venom, but it is harmless to humans.

When scared, they sometimes 'play dead' to trick predators into leaving them alone.

Special abilities

Ability

Stinky Defense

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake can release a foul-smelling musk from glands near its vent that helps them deter predators when feeling threatened.

Ability

Swift Swimmer

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake has a streamlined body and powerful tail that helps them quickly swim and hunt in aquatic environments.

Ability

Mild Venom Delivery

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake can deliver mild venom through grooved teeth that helps them subdue small prey before swallowing.

Measurements & details

Length
46-100 cm
Weight
0.05-0.3 kg
Lifespan
6-10 years
Top Speed
2 km/h
Swim Speed
0.8 km/h
Clutch Size
4-19
Maximum Depth
1 m

Diet & Feeding

This snake munches on a variety of small animals, especially amphibians and fish!

Primary Foods

  • frogs
  • salamanders
  • tadpoles
  • fish
  • earthworms
  • slugs

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

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 Western Terrestrial Garter Snake?

46-100 cm

How much does Western Terrestrial Garter Snake weigh?

0.05-0.3 kg

How long does Western Terrestrial Garter Snake live?

6-10 years

How fast can Western Terrestrial Garter Snake move?

2 km/h

What does Western Terrestrial Garter Snake eat?

This snake munches on a variety of small animals, especially amphibians and fish!

How fast can Western Terrestrial Garter Snake swim?

0.8 km/h

Where is Western Terrestrial Garter Snake usually found?

Grasslands

How does Western Terrestrial Garter Snake hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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