Snake Species Dinosaur species

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

MEXICAN GARTERSNAKE
Thamnophis eques

MEXICAN GARTERSNAKE <br /> Thamnophis eques - snake species | gveli | გველი

MEXICAN GARTERSNAKE
Thamnophis eques

DESCRIPTION:
A medium (up to 1,120 mm or 44" in total length) reddish-brown to olive-brown snake with a single cream colored stripe down the middle of the back (dorsal stripe).

The dorsal stripe is crisp-edged and is sometimes bordered by a thin dark line along each side. An additional thin light stripe lines each lower side on the 3rd and 4th scale rows (counting up from the belly). Alternating blotches composed of short, dark, tightly stacked dashes mark the areas between the light stripes. These dark blotches do not intrude into the dorsal stripe. The underside is pale. Dark bars mark the seams of the upper lip scales (upper labials). The pupils are round and the dorsal scales are keeled.

DISTRIBUTION:
This snake is now absent from much of its historic range in Arizona. It was once found in many of the sub-Mogollon Rim drainage systems across the central portion of Arizona and several drainage systems in south-central and southeastern Arizona. It remains in only a few isolated populations below the rim and in south central Arizona. Elevation ranges from about 1,000' to about 6,700'.

HABITAT:
It is usually found in or near rivers, streams, and ciénegas in communities ranging from Arizona Upland Sonoran Desertscrub, through Semidesert Grassland and the woodlands, into Petran Montane Conifer Forest.

BEHAVIOR:
This primarily diurnal snake often forages in the mid-morning sun. It hibernates during the cold months of late fall and winter. When encountered it is quick to dive under the water. When persistently harassed it has been observed to tuck the head down against the ground and under the coils, hold the head and fore-body motionless, and "crawl" the wiggling tail away from the body (author obs.). This behavior may be serve to divert a predators attention away from the head and to the tail.

DIET:
The Mexican Gartersnake eats frogs, toads, fish, lizards, and small mammals.

REPRODUCTION:
Mating takes place in spring and young are born in June and July.

REMARKS:
Protected in Arizona. It is against Arizona State law to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect this animal or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.

Thamnophis ordinoides - Northwestern Gartersnake | Snake Species Thamnophis ordinoides - Northwestern Gartersnake | Snake Species Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus - Northern Mohave Rattlesnake | Snake Species
Coluber flagellum testaceus - Western Coachwhip | Snake Species Storeria dekayi texana - Texas Brownsnake | Snake Species Crotalus oreganus oreganus - Northern Pacific Rattlesnake | Snake Species
Crotalus oreganus lutosus - Great Basin Rattlesnake | Snake Species NORTH AMERICAN RACER  Coluber constrictor | Snake Species Crotalus stephensi - Panamint Rattlesnake | Snake Species
Arizona elegans candida - Mohave Glossy Snake | Snake Species  MOHAVE RATTLESNAKE <br /> Crotalus scutulatus | Snake Species Diadophis punctatus arnyi - Prairie Ring-necked Snake | Snake Species
Storeria dekayi texana - Texas Brownsnake | Snake Species Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus - Northern Mohave Rattlesnake | Snake Species Lichanura orcutti - Northern Three-lined Boa | Snake Species
Arizona elegans occidentalis - California Glossy Snake | Snake Species Charina umbratica - Southern Rubber Boa | Snake Species Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi - Valley Gartersnake | Snake Species
Diadophis punctatus occidentalis - Northwestern Ring-necked Snake | Snake Species Diadophis punctatus occidentalis - Northwestern Ring-necked Snake | Snake Species  CHIHUAHUAN BLACK-HEADED SNAKE <br />    Tantilla wilcoxi | Snake Species

Copyright © 2012