Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

A brilliantly colored, 2 to 3 foot long, 3 striped, garter snake. Dorsal stripe yellow to orange, lateral stripes white to pale yellow. A large black blotch on each side of the neck. 1 row of large black spots on side of neck and anterior body. This changes to 2 rows of alternating black spot at mid and posterior body. A single row of small black spots below each lateral stripe. Intrusion of black pigment causes the lateral line to be uneven. Belly plain white, greenish, or light brown. Scales keeled in 19 rows. Ovoviviparous. Juveniles like adults but more precisely patterned.

Unique Features:

Dorsal stripe yellow to orange, lateral stripes white to pale yellow. A large black blotch on each side of the neck. 1 row of large black spots on the side of neck and anterior body.

Habitat and Diet:

Mesquite and cedar desert flats, usually near a permanent water source. Amphibians and small fish are the preferred prey.

Geographic Range:

TX