Texas garter snake

Thamnophis sirtalis annectens
	Texas garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis annectens
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Genus:	Thamnophis
Species:	T. sirtalis
Subspecies:	T. s. annectens
Trinomial name
	Thamnophis sirtalis annectens; Brown, 1950

The Texas garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis annectens) is a subspecies of the common garter snake (T. sirtalis) endemic to the United States.

Geographic range

It is found predominantly in central Texas,[1] with disjunct populations in Kansas and South Dakota.

Habitat

Texas garter snakes are a terrestrial species. They are uncommon, even in their central Texas range, and seldom found in large numbers. They can be found in a wide range of habitats, but are usually close to a water source. They have typically been found in stream-side vegetation or in damp soil near bodies of water. They can be found under objects like old metal, or wood, under ground, and in plants.[1]

Description

Completely harmless, and a member of the colubrid family, it is easily mistaken for other garter snake species. It has a greenish-black back with a distinctive bright-orange or red stripe down the center and yellowish stripes on either side of the body that extend through the second, third, and fourth rows of scales above the belly plates.[1] Adults range in length from 38 to 71 cm (15 to 28 in).[1]

Defense

This snake is generally not aggressive, although younger specimens have been known to strike when cornered. If handled, it will often flail about wildly to try to escape and release a foul-smelling musk from its cloaca.

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References

Dixon, James R.; Werler, John E. (2000). Texas Snakes: A Field Guide. Austin, Texas: University of Texas Press. pp. 284–285. ISBN 978-0-292-70675-0.

Species Thamnophis sirtalis at The Reptile Database

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[Dixon-1] Dixon, James R.; Werler, John E. (2000). Texas Snakes: A Field Guide. Austin, Texas: University of Texas Press. pp. 284–285. ISBN 978-0-292-70675-0.