Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)
Snakes Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
 Note yellow spot atop the head |
General: Wandering Gartersnakes (Thamnophis elegans vagrans) are long, thin snakes with a yellow stripe down the center of the back and yellow stripes on each side. Often with a yellow spot on the top of the head. Taxonomy: Colubrid (Non-venomous) Snakes Family (Colubridae). Technical Description: Diet: Habitat: |
 Sometimes the yellow spot atop the head is absent |
Range: Widely distributed across the western U.S. In Nevada, occurs in northern Nevada, an isolated population in southwestern Nevada, and now along the Las Vegas Wash. Breeding: |
 |
Similar Species: Striped Whipsnakes look similar, but lack the yellow dorsal stripe and do not have a light spot on the top of the head. Comments: |
 |
Western "Terrestrial" Garter Snakes, in this case the Mountain Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans elegans), readily take to the water. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 Dorsal pattern and keeled scales |
 Yellow stripes all around |
 Everting its anus and trying to put serious stink on me |
 Belly scales |
 Back in the water -- I'm free! |
 Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
 Snake captured along Las Vegas Wash (Sep 2015) |
 Snake captured along Las Vegas Wash (Sep 2015) |
 Snake captured along Las Vegas Wash (Sep 2015) |
 Snake captured along Las Vegas Wash (Sep 2015) |
Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 221214
| Snakes Around Las Vegas | Wildlife Around Las Vegas | Glossary | Copyright, Conditions, Disclaimer | Home |