Brown Garter Snake

Eutaenia eques, (Reuss.)

Colouration: The usual colour is reddish brown, with a distinct but very narrow stripe of cream yellow on the back, and a stripe of similar colour on the sides, covering portions of the second and third rows of scales. The central stripe begins in pointed fashion behind the head, whence it suddenly widens on the neck, covering three rows of scales; behind this widened area it abruptly contracts to the width of but a single row of scales, thence extends along the body.
Dimensions: Total Length . . . . .24 1/2 inches.
Distribution: Western Texas, New Mexico and Arizona; northern Mexico.

This species is characterised by its wide head, which presents a swollen appearance behind the eyes. Also, by the very narrow central stripe, which for its greater length, is but the width of a single scale. The scales of the body are in 19 rows. The species is most nearly allied to the common garter snake, E. sirtalis.

On the forward portion of the body there are large, dark blotches between the stripes, which character gives way on the latter portion to small spots--these bordering the stripes. Beneath the stripe on the sides is a narrow area of pale brown, with a row of small black spots in contact with the stripe. Along the lower edges of the first row of scales is another line of spots. The abdomen is immaculate yellow, or greenish-white.

Immediately behind the head are two very large, dark blotches. They are technically termed the nuchal spots and their presence constitutes an important distinguishing feature. The upper lip plates are yellow--those beneath the eye heavily bordered with black.

Length of Tail . . . . .6 1/2 inches.

Diameter of Body . . . . .1/2 inches.

Width of Head (Note the width of the head, which is 1/8 of an inch greater than the diameter of the thickest part of the body.) . . . . . 5/8 inches.

Length of Head . . . . . 1 inches.