Aquatic garter snake
| Aquatic garter snake | |
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| Aquatic garter snake at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Thamnophis |
| Species: | T. atratus
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| Binomial name | |
| Thamnophis atratus (Kennicott, 1860)
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| Synonyms | |
The aquatic garter snake (Thamnophis atratus) is a
Geographic range
It is found exclusively along the coast of Oregon and California.
Description
The aquatic garter snake grows up to 18–40 inches (46–102 cm) long. Its dorsal coloration varies greatly. The different coloration patterns are: pale gray with alternating rows of darker blotches on the sides, dark brown with borders that are less distinct, or nearly all black. A long yellow stripe running down the back may be present or absent, only confined to the neck, or just very indistinct. The throat and underside of the snake are whitish to yellow.
One
Habitat
It can most commonly be found on the edges of bushlands, woodlands, grasslands, and forests near ponds, marshes, streams and lakes.
Behavior
When feeling threatened, this snake will seek shelter in a nearby water source. Occasionally, while the snake is hunting for food in a
Reproduction
The aquatic garter snake bears live young. Broods consist of three to 12 young.
Subspecies
- Santa Cruz garter snake, T. a. atratus (Kennicott, 1860)
- Oregon garter snake, T. a. hydrophilus Fitch, 1936
- Diablo Range garter snake, T. a. zaxanthus Boundy, 1999
References
- ^ The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
- Peterson Field Guide - Western Reptiles and Amphibians - 3rd Edition
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