Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Serpentes Scientific name Thamnophis marcianus Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Higher classification Garter snake | |
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Similar Garter snake, Snake, Reptile, Blackneck garter snake, San Francisco garter sn | ||
Introducing albino checkered garter snakes
The checkered garter snake (Thamnophis marcianus) is a species of garter snake endemic to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Contents
- Introducing albino checkered garter snakes
- Bhb reptiles unboxing albino checkered garter snake
- Etymology
- Description
- Habitat
- Diet
- Defensive behavior
- Venom
- Subspecies
- In captivity
- References
Bhb reptiles unboxing albino checkered garter snake
Etymology
The specific epithet, marcianus, is in honor of American Brigadier General Randolph B. Marcy, who led surveying expeditions to the frontier areas in the mid 19th century.
Description
The checkered garter snake is typically greenish in color, with a distinct, black checkerboard pattern down its back. It is capable of growing to a total length (including tail) of 42 in (107 cm), but 28 in (71 cm) is closer to average.
Habitat
T. marcianus may be found in a variety of habitats.
Diet
The diet of T. marcianus includes small frogs, toads, small fish, and earthworms.
Defensive behavior
T. marcianus will strike and bite if provoked. It will also release a foul-smelling liquid from its cloaca onto attackers.
Venom
T. marcianus has been found to have mild venom.
Subspecies
The three recognized subspecies of T. marcianus are:
Nota bene: A trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the subspecies was originally described in a genus other than Thamnophis.
In captivity
The checkered garter snake is the easiest garter snake to tame. Even a wild-caught one can become tame in a few days if handled carefully. The checkered garter snake is frequently available in the exotic pet trade, and makes a hardy captive animal. It can be trained to accept mice or fish fillets as food. Captive breeding, while not common, is done, and albino variants are being produced.