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Alternate titles: Thamnophis, garden snake, grass snake By The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Article History Table of ContentsCommon garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) See all media Related Topics:western ribbon snake ribbon snake common garter snake...(Show more) See all related content → garter snake, (genus Thamnophis), also called grass snake, any of about 35 species of nonvenomous North American snakes having a striped pattern suggesting a garter: typically, one or three longitudinal yellow to red stripes, between which are checkered blotches. Forms in which the stripes are obscure or lacking are often called grass snakes. Some classifications differ as to the number of species, since garter snakes show only slight differences in their scales but considerable geographic differences in coloration. In many areas from Canada to Central America, they are the most common serpent. Garter snakes are small to moderate in size—usually less than 100 cm (39 inches) long—and quite harmless. If handled, they struggle and discharge a foul secretion from the anal gland; some will strike. Among the more defensive species is the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), probably North America’s most widely distributed reptile. The ribbon snake (T. sauritus), small and slender, is a strongly striped form. Garter snakes live chiefly on insects, earthworms, and amphibians; the western ribbon snake (T. proximus) is especially fond of frogs. They do not lay eggs but generally breed in early spring and give birth in late summer. Britannica Quiz Deadliest Animals QuizThe International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) assessed 31 species of garter snakes by 2020 and classified most of these as species of least concern. Four garter snakes are threatened; the IUCN classifies T. saliger of central Mexico and the giant garter snake (T. gigas) of California’s Central Valley as vulnerable species and T. mendax and T. melanogaster, both of central Mexico, as endangered species. “Garter snake” is a traditional American term for small harmless snakes with stripes running lengthwise along their bodies, resembling old-fashioned garters. It is more broadly used for all manner of small non-venomous snakes. Many folks don’t get the allusion, and call them “gardener snakes” instead. Although you may find these little critters in your yard, they are unlikely to do much gardening. For that you need earthworms. Back to list of errors BUY THE BOOK! How was garter snake named?There are two theories: (1) the snakes were named after stocking garters and (2) sirtalis is the Latin word for stocking garters and thus the common name was derived from the Latin binomial.
What does garter mean in snakes?Kids Definition
garter snake. noun. : any of numerous harmless American snakes with stripes along the back.
What is another name for a garter snake?garter snake, (genus Thamnophis), also called grass snake, any of about 35 species of nonvenomous North American snakes having a striped pattern suggesting a garter: typically, one or three longitudinal yellow to red stripes, between which are checkered blotches.
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