Mexican Garter Snake (Thamnophis eques)

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The Mexican Garter Snake

The Mexican Garter Snake (Thamnophis eques) is currently listed as a species of special concern by the Arizona Department of Fish and Game. Although they aren’t protected under any Federal or Mexican laws, they share habitats with other endangered species and so are protected unofficially. The main concerns for their survival seem to be the introduction other species into the snake’s habitat, such as frogs, that feed on the young snakes and also deplete the snake’s natural food supply.

Mexican Garter Snakes are found on the very southernmost parts of Arizona and New Mexico and in Mexico. These snakes are often found in the water and are never found in an area that doesn’t have a ready, permanent water source. They are usually found at elevations ranging from 3000-5000 feet (914-1525 meters) in areas with very thick, dense plant life, which gives the snakes ample camouflage. They are most active in the warmest months of the year and will often retreat quickly to the water when threatened.

Female Mexican Garter Snakes are slightly larger than the males and can reach lengths of 44 inches (112 cm), although the average length is 18-40 inches (47-101 cm). They are relatively thick snakes and are brown or greenish-brown in color. There is a prominent yellowish-white stripe that extends down the entire length of the snake with smaller stripes running in the same direction on each side. There are darker spots on the snake’s head with a yellowish crescent shaped marking by the mouth.

Interesting Fact: Garter snakes are not venomous, but the Mexican Garter Snake has glands that produce a foul-smelling musk that is released when they feel threatened.

Mexican Garter Snakes are usually found foraging for food near a water source. The typical meal for a garter snake consists of frogs, fish, tadpoles, and insects. They will also go after some small mammals and lizards. They usually only hunt during the day.

Sexual maturity is usually reached for the females when they are approximately 21-18 inches (53-70 cm) long. Unlike many other snakes, Mexican Garter Snakes don’t lay eggs but rather give birth to live baby snakes. These births usually take place between May and July, and the female can give birth to up to 25 snakes at a time. Most snakes are required to be self sufficient and able to hunt almost immediately after they are born.

Further Information on the Mexican Garter Snake:

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Bibliography:
Garter Snake. Encarta Encyclopedia, © 2000.
The Tucson Herpetological Society. Accessed on 08/25/04 at http://www.arts.arizona.edu/herp/THEQ.html.
Tucson Hunting.com Southern Arizona Hunting Information. Accessed on 08/25/04 at http://www.tucsonhunting.com/Game_Detail.php?id=68.
Arizona Fish and Game Department. Heritage Data Management System. Accessed on 08/25/04 at http://www.gf.state.az.us/w_c/edits/documents/Thameqme.fi_000.pdf.