Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis saurita
- Class
- Reptile
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 7,952
- Most observed in
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
Thamnophis saurita, also known as the eastern ribbon snake, common ribbon snake, or simply ribbon snake, is a common species of garter snake native to Eastern North America. It is a non-venomous species of snake in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The ribbon snake averages 16 to 35 inches (41 to 89 cm) in total length (including tail). It is dark brown with bright yellow stripes. The ribbon snake is not sexually dimorphic; however, females are normally thicker than their male counterparts. The ribbon snake can be found in wet climates such as lakes, streams, ponds and marshes. The ribbon snake is active from April to October and hibernates during the winter months. Maturity is reached around 3 years of age.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Thamnophis saurita”.