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What is a Checkered Garter Snake?

Angie Bates
Angie Bates

The checkered garter snake is a species of snake with distinctive black spots. These snakes are found in areas of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas in the United States, and also in Mexico and Central America. The scientific name for the checkered garter snake is Thamnophis marcianus.

Usually between 18 and 42.5 inches (47.7–108 cm) long, checkered garter snakes are shades of brown or green-brown. They have a yellow-white strip on their backs which travels the length of their bodies, pale yellow bellies, and are covered in black, check-like markings. Their scales are keeled, which means these snakes are rougher to the touch and more dully colored than snakes with smooth, glossy scales.

Juvenile snakes will often eat earth worms.
Juvenile snakes will often eat earth worms.

The checkered garter snake does not have any set activity period. In cooler regions, this snake is usually more active during the day. Conversely, in warmer regions it will be more frequently nocturnal. Checkered garters are strong swimmers and may dive in the water to avoid perceived danger. When handled, they often release fecal matter and strong smelling musk as a defense mechanism.

In the U.S. checkered garter snakes are found in areas of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas.
In the U.S. checkered garter snakes are found in areas of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas.

Despite living mostly in arid regions, checkered garter snakes are usually found near a water source. They eat lizards, fish, invertebrates, and small mammals, but their favorite food is amphibians. Although these snakes are considered harmless to humans, they do have a toxin in their saliva that is lethal to their prey. The toxin may cause irritation to humans if bitten. Checkered garters are considered very docile, however, and rarely bite.

Unlike many other snake species, garter snakes bear live young. Between June to August, a female checkered garter will birth 6–18 offspring. The young are about 8–9.25 inches (20.3–23.5 cm) long. Juvenile snakes will often eat earth worms.

Checkered garter snakes are a type of garter found in Western and Southwestern states.
Checkered garter snakes are a type of garter found in Western and Southwestern states.

There are three subspecies of the checkered garter snake. Thamnophis marcianus bovallii is found primarily in Nicaragua, and Thamnophis marcianus praeocularis is found in some regions of Central America. Thamnophis marcianus marcianus, or Marcy's checkered garter snakes, are the primary subspecies found in the United States and northern Mexico. This species is often sold as a pet and exhibits an albino color form.

Though garter snakes are generally common, and this garter species is a popular pet, in Kansas, the checkered garter snake is considered a threatened species. It is listed as protected by the Kansas Nongame and Endangered Species Act. Areas of land in southern Kansas have been set aside to preserve its habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Checkered Garter Snake?

The Checkered Garter Snake (Thamnophis marcianus) is a non-venomous colubrid species known for its distinctive checkered pattern of black spots on a greenish or brownish background. Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, these snakes are often found near water sources and are proficient swimmers. They play a role in controlling pest populations by preying on amphibians and invertebrates.

What does the Checkered Garter Snake eat?

Checkered Garter Snakes have a varied diet that includes amphibians, earthworms, fish, and invertebrates. Their appetite for garden pests makes them beneficial to humans. They use their keen sense of smell to track prey and are known to eat in or near water, which aids in subduing their catch.

How can you identify a Checkered Garter Snake?

Identifying a Checkered Garter Snake is straightforward due to its unique pattern. Look for a series of black checkered spots along its back, set against a lighter, often greenish or brownish, base color. Additionally, they typically have a stripe down the middle of the back and one on each side, with a lighter belly.

Are Checkered Garter Snakes dangerous to humans?

Checkered Garter Snakes are not dangerous to humans. They are non-venomous and generally docile, making them a low-risk snake to encounter. If threatened, they may emit a foul-smelling musk as a defense mechanism, but they are not aggressive and will usually flee rather than confront a human.

Where can you find Checkered Garter Snakes in the wild?

Checkered Garter Snakes are commonly found in the southwestern United States, particularly in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, as well as in Mexico. They inhabit areas close to water sources such as streams, ponds, and marshes, but can also be found in grasslands and semi-arid regions, often hiding under rocks or vegetation.

How do Checkered Garter Snakes reproduce?

Checkered Garter Snakes are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Mating typically occurs in the spring, and after a gestation period, females give birth to 10-40 live young. These newborn snakes are independent from birth and receive no parental care, quickly learning to fend for themselves.

Discussion Comments

Melonlity

@Terrificli -- True, and there have been plenty of people over the years who have taken a strong dislike to snakes and have gone out of the way to kill as many of them as possible.

It is well established that a phobia of snakes is common. There is something primal about human beings that causes a lot of us to fear and/or absolutely hate snakes. The poor garter snake has taken the brunt of some of that.

Terrificli

It is odd that this particular snake is considered protected in Kansas. The good old checkered garter snake is very common and a good thing to have around for getting rid of pests and such. I can only imagine it would be protected because people got on a killing spree over them. Not all snakes are poison or dangerous, but some people sure act like they all are.

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    • Juvenile snakes will often eat earth worms.
      By: Hedgehog
      Juvenile snakes will often eat earth worms.
    • In the U.S. checkered garter snakes are found in areas of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas.
      By: Hamik
      In the U.S. checkered garter snakes are found in areas of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas.
    • Checkered garter snakes are a type of garter found in Western and Southwestern states.
      By: Ron Rowan
      Checkered garter snakes are a type of garter found in Western and Southwestern states.