Florida garter snake
| Florida garter snake | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Thamnophis sirtalis similis | ||||||||||||
| Rossman , 1965 |
The Florida garter snake ( Thamnophis sirtalis similis ), also known as the blue garter snake , is a subspecies of the common garter snake ( Thamnophis sirtalis ). It was first scientifically described in 1965 by the American herpetologist Douglas Rossman .
features
The Florida garter snake reaches a body length between 51 and 66 cm, the largest documented animal measured 99.7 cm. The body is built more slender than in the nominate form, the head hardly separates from the body. The eyes are large with a round pupil. The body scales are keeled, the anal scutum ( scutum anale ) is in one piece. A clear identification (especially against Thamnophis sauritus nitae ) often requires the determination of the position of the lateral stripes - in the Florida garter snake on the scales rows 2 to 3. Overall, the snake draws three longitudinal stripes, two lateral and one dorsal stripe. The lateral bands are dirty yellow to greenish, the back stripe shows the same, but also bluish-white color. The basic color is between dark gray and very dark brown. The shields of the upper lip ( suprallabilalia ) and the ventral side are bright, and the muzzle is also bright. In the middle of the top of the head there is a bright point that is halved by the parietal shields.
Way of life
The Florida garter snake is diurnal and ground dwelling. It occurs in the immediate vicinity of stagnant water, and in case of danger it escapes into the water. The animal feeds on a wide variety of foods, primarily fish , amphibians and earthworms . Like all garter snakes, the Florida garter snake reproduces through ovoviviparia (viviparous egg). Mating time and mating behavior are determined by rainy and dry periods. The young snakes measure between 18.4 and 23.2 cm at birth.
Occurrence
The Florida garter snake is common within western Florida from Wakulla County in the north to the Withlacoochee River in the south. It inhabits marshland near water and pine forests in the lowlands near the coast.
literature
- Conant, Roger & Collins, Joseph T .: Reptiles and Amphibians - Eastern / Central North America , Peterson Field Guides. ISBN 978-0-395-90452-7 .
- F. Schneidewind & HJ Herrmann: Who knows what about garter snakes? , Terta Verlag. ISBN 3-89745-185-9 .