Are garter and garden snakes the same?
Many people call garter snakes – some of the most common, widespread and frequently observed snakes in North America – “garden snakes,” a reflection of their common occurrence in yards and farm plots. In other words, a garter snake and a garden snake are one and the same.
Are garter snakes or garters?
Garter snake, (genus Thamnophis), also called grass snake, any of about 35 species of nonvenomous North American snakes having a striped pattern suggesting a garter: typically, one or three longitudinal yellow to red stripes, between which are checkered blotches.
What are garter snakes related to?
Garter snakes are closely related to the genus Nerodia (water snakes), with some species having been moved back and forth between genera.
Which traits does the common garter snake have?
Common garter snakes are highly variable in color pattern. They typically have three light stripes that run along the length of their body on a black, brown, gray, or olive background. The stripes can be white, yellow, blue, greenish, or brown.
What kind of snake is a garter snake?
Interesting Facts About the Garter Snake 1 Western Ribbon Snake – This species, and its subspecies, sport bright coloration. 2 Aquatic Garter Snake – Like their name suggests, this species has quite the affinity for water. 3 Giant Garter Snake – The largest of the 35-odd species, this snake is in decline.
How is the giant garter snake in decline?
These snakes even use their tongues as a lure to capture fish! Giant Garter Snake – The largest of the 35-odd species, this snake is in decline. The IUCN lists the species as Vulnerable. Humans destroy the wetlands that these snakes live in, and pollute the waters that they hunt in.
Is there such a thing as a garden snake?
While there is no garden snake to be confused with the garter snake, the correct term is garter snake. In this manner, the garter snake falls into the same category as terms like “duct tape” of constantly being called the wrong name but no real harm coming to it. Once again there is no hard proof for or against this theory.
What kind of snake has teeth but no fangs?
A garter snake has teeth, but no fangs. Given the number of enemies, all snakes bite. Their bite is also not fatal to a healthy adult. However, you should be aware that these reptiles are not harmless. If a garter snake sinks its teeth into your hand, it will hurt.
What kind of body does a garter snake have?
Every garter snake has keeled scales and small heads with large eyes. Many species are brown or black in base color. They then have a series of lighter stripes running down the length of their body. But, this does not apply to all species, as you will soon learn how to identify them!
How did the garter snake get its name?
In short, the snake in the grass raises people’s curiosity. Their propensity to inhabit residential areas explains the common name, garden snake. Whatever the common name, garter snake identification ofen starts by noting the thin and often colorfully striped body. Depending on the source, up to sixteen different species are recognized.
What kind of garter snake has blue stripes?
This species has striking blue markings and a beautiful blue coloration. The Bluestripe Garter Snake is one of many subspecies of the Common Garter Snake. Blue-Striped Garter Snakes have the same dark gray base color as most Garters, but their stripes look as if they were painted on with a blue highlighter.
How many babies does a garter snake have?
She will give birth to anywhere between 20 to 40 babies at a time. Garter snakes birth live young. The baby snakes are pretty much on their own right away. Garter snakes are incredibly common, but thankfully they are not dangerous for humans.
“Garter snake” is a traditional American term for small harmless snakes with stripes running lengthwise along their bodies, resembling old-fashioned garters. It is more broadly used for all manner of small non-venomous snakes. Many folks don’t get the allusion, and call them “gardener snakes” instead.
