Texas Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis annectens)

Description

Size

The total length of an adult, including the tail, is 15-28 in (38-71 cm).

Color and Appearance

The Texas garter snake has a greenish-black dorsum with a distinct red or bright orange stripe running down its center. There are yellowish stripes on either side of the body that spread across the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th dorsal scale rows above the belly plates. 

Are They Dangerous to Humans

The colubrid is generally non-aggressive though the younger snakes strike when cornered. Their mild venom is enough to subdue their prey but is harmless to humans. The bite can only produce temporary swelling and slight irritation in them. When handled, these snakes often flail about wildly, attempting to escape and release foul-smelling musk from their cloaca.

Texas Garter Snakes at a Glance

Distribution

This garter snake is mainly found in central Texas. There are disjoined populations in western Oklahoma and southwestern Kansas. But it is uncommon even in its range and rarely found in large numbers.

Habitat

It lives in a wide variety of habitats that have one thing in common. They are all located near a water source. It typically inhabits stream-side vegetation or damp soil near water bodies. It can also be found under objects like wood or old metal, in plants, and underground.

Lifespan

The Texas garter snake has a lifespan of 2-10 years.

Predators

The serpent is preyed upon by hawks, raccoons, foxes, herons, and other snakes.

Diet

The ambush predators eat earthworms, snails, amphibians, and insects. As they don’t have fangs, they can’t inject venom. Instead, its toxic saliva enters the prey’s bloodstream through the bite wound.

Reproduction

Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live young from eggs that hatch inside the body)

20-40 live young form a litter. They are fully independent from birth and can fend for themselves. They become sexually mature at 1.5-2 years of age.