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(Thamnophis elegans)
| Identification: Pale (but not white) stripes on sides of
body on second and third scale rows above outer edges of belly scales; light
stripe down middle of back bright, dull, incomplete, or virtually absent; often
two large black marks on neck; irregular black marks frequently on belly;
usually eight upper lip scales on each side of head; narrow dark marks (if any)
on upper lips confined to front edge of vertical suture between lip scales;
upper scales keeled; anal scale usually single; typically 21 rows of scales on
back and sides at midbody; in Colorado, few individuals exceed 76 cm (30 inches)
total length. This variable snake often is mistaken for the blackneck garter
snake, common garter snake, and checkered garter snake (Thamnophis
marcianus, not known to inhabit Colorado). |
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Colorado Distribution:
Throughout most of Colorado,
excluding most of the plains region in the northeastern quarter of the state,
usually at elevations below 11,000 feet but has been found higher. Common.
Habitat:
Almost any terrestrial or wetland
habitat in the vicinity of virtually any flowing or nonflowing body of water;
not restricted to riparian-aquatic environments, frequently occupies terrestrial
habitats far from water. Activity takes place on the ground, in water, or in low
vegetation.
Life History:
Females give birth to their young
usually in July in lowland areas of southern Colorado but not until August or
September in the mountains. The diet is highly variable and includes worms,
slugs, snails, grasshoppers, fishes, amphibians, lizards, snakes, birds, and
small mammals obtained on land or in the water.