Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

This garter snake is adult at 20 to 30 inches in length. Black with yellow or white striping broken at intervals anteriorly by vertical black bars. Belly, cream, yellow, or bluish. Ovoviviparous. Neonates are equally variable but similar to adults. Interstitial facial stripes present. Garter snakes in the eastern USA are less apt to consume nestling mammals than those of the American West.

Unique Features:

The vertical black bars on the anterior sides are diagnostic.

Habitat and Diet:

Meadows, marshes, swales, most common near water sources. This subspecies preys primarily on frogs, toads, worms and an occasional salamander.

Geographic Range:

IL, IN,