Western Garter Snake

Eutaenia elegans, (Baird & Girard)

General: 21 rows of scales--counted in an oblique line around the body (occasionally 19). Body rather stout and with three stripes (except in one variety)--the side stripe on the second and third rows of scales.
Distribution: California to Oregon.
Distribution: Pacific region.
Distribution: Central plains to Pacific Coast--Oregon to California.
Distribution: Washington and Oregon.
Distribution: Central Texas through Arizona.
Distribution: Arizona and California.
Colouration: The pattern of the Pacific Garter Snake is not unlike that of some of the Eastern forms of sirtalis. The ground-colour is blackish, olive or dark brown. There is a bright stripe (generally yellow) of moderate width upon the back and a less sharply defined stripe on the side. Few specimens possess any but a slight trace of spots between the stripes. The abdomen is greenish yellow; the throat bright yellow. There are no dark borders on the upper lip plates.
Dimensions: Following are the measurements of an adult specimen:
Distribution: The Pacific coast region--Oregon to California.

The preceding species of Eutaenia described, although evincing some variation in the ground-colour, do not display any variation of pattern. In consequence, none of these is represented by varieties or sub-species. The present species--the Western Garter Snake--presents different conditions. It is an extremely variable species and represented by several very distinct varieties, which will be described under their respective names. Among these form, pattern and distribution show interesting differences. To render these comprehensive, a simple key is given:

General Habitat.--The central plains to the Pacific Coast.

1. No markings on head.

Blackish or olive; stripe on side not very distinct. None or but faint spots between the stripes.

PACIFIC GARTER SNAKE, E. elegans--typical.

Blackish or olive; an orange stripe on the back; no stripes on the sides. Abdomen greenish, throat yellow.

SINGLE-STRIPED GARTER SNAKE, E. elegans infernalis.

Greenish or ashy; a pale yellow stripe on back and sides (latter faint). Rows of small, round spots between stripes, some of the spots breaking central stripe. One plate in front of eye (preocular).

GREEN GARTER SNAKE, E. elegans vagrans.

Two plates in front of eye (preoculars.)

Markings like preceding.

WASHINGTON GARTER SNAKE, E. elegans biscutata.

2. A pale crescent on each temple.

Straw-colour, with narrow stripes and rows of large, square black spots.

MARCY'S GARTER SNAKE, E. elegans marciana.

Dark brown or olive, stripes narrow and spots indistinct.

COUCH'S GARTER SNAKE, E. elegans couchi.

The Typical Form.--The typical form of this species appeals much to several varieties of the more widely distributed E. sirtalis. It is a smaller reptile however, and evinces a difference of the chin shields (This useful point for identification was called to the writer's attention by Mr. Arthur Erwin Brown)--as do all the varieties of the species, which character may be generally employed in distinguishing the forms of this species from those of the allied reptile--sirtalis. Illustration--chins. Examination will show the larger chin shields of E. elegans to be fairly uniform in size, while the rear pair of these with E. sirtalis are considerably the longer. Besides these characters, the scales of the body, of the present species, are generally arranged in 21 oblique rows and there are usually eight upper lip plates. The allied species generally possesses 19 rows of scales and seven upper labial plates. However, both species exhibit variations into one or the other combinations--a condition which may demonstrate, with further investigation that the two are not thoroughly distinct species.

Variation.--Even with the typical form there is a considerable degree of variation in colour as well as in the definition of the stripe on the side. Some specimens have a red stripe on the back and yellow stripes on the sides. Others have a yellow, central stripe and bright red stripes on the sides. Many specimens have a pronounced, bright yellow central stripe, and dull greenish stripes on the sides.

A number of specimens received from California are brilliantly marked. They are black above, with a vivid yellow stripe on the back, and rich, brick red stripes on the sides. The abdomen is green, blotched and speckled with red to such an extent as to make the under side of the snake appear as if the reptile had crawled over a surface spotted with blood.

Total Length . . . . . 27 3/4 inches.

Length of Tail . . . . . 5 5/8 inches.

Greatest Diameter . . . . . 5/8 inches.

Width of Head . . . . . 5/8 inches.

Length of Head . . . . . 1 1/16 inches.