Northwestern garter snake

The northwestern garter snake (Thamnophis ordinoides) is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to North America.

Northwestern garter snake
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Genus:	Thamnophis
Species:	T. ordinoides
Binomial name
Thamnophis ordinoides (Baird & Girard, 1852)
Synonyms[1]
Tropidonotus ordinoides Baird & Girard, 1852 Eutaenia ordinoides — Baird & Girard, 1853 Thamnophis ordinoides — Fitch, 1940

Geographic range

In the United States, T. ordinoides is found in California, Oregon, and Washington; in Canada, it is found in British Columbia.^[2]

Description

The northwestern garter snake is small, with adults averaging around 13–38 in (33–97 cm) in total length (including tail).^[2] It is one of the most variable species of snakes in the world.^{[citation needed]}

Habitat

The northwestern garter snake is most commonly found on the edge of meadows, surrounded by forest,^[3][4] as some sunshine is needed for its survival. It can also be found under stumps when it is too hot out.

Diet

T. ordinoides preys on slugs, salamanders, and frogs.^[4]