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Western Ribbon Snake

Thamnophis proximus proximus

Photo by TAZfromTX
Published on Project Noah
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30.5573, -96.2112

Field Notes

Description:

The Western Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis proximus) is a species of garter snake. There are several subspecies.

The Ribbon Snake or Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus) is a common snake found throughout North America. It averages 16–35 in (41–89 cm) in length and is a member of the garter snake genus. There are four subspecies of ribbon snake:

Eastern Ribbon Snake – Thamnophis sauritus sauritus - brownish back, range extends from New York to Florida, west to the Mississippi River.
Northern Ribbon Snake – Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis - dark brown or black above, range from Maine through Ontario and Indiana.
Southern Ribbon Snake or Peninsula Ribbon Snake – Thamnophis sauritus sackeni - tan or brown, range from South Carolina south through Florida.
Western Ribbon Snake or Bluestripe Ribbon Snake – Thamnophis sauritus nitae - dark with light blue lateral stripes, Gulf coast of north-central Florida.

Habitat:

Ribbon snakes are also common pets. They are easily found in pet shops for up to 30 dollars. A single snake can fit in a ten gallon terrarium (aquariums work but terrariums are meant for reptiles). They are also very docile.

Ribbon Snakes have a diverse diet consisting of worms, slugs, minnows, insects, small mice,fish, and toads.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (1)

Great photos! Please be sure to add this to the Snakes of the United States – CSC mission to help with their citizen science project! http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/12027210

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