Checkered gartersnake

Description:

This snake typically has an olive, brown, or tan body color with a thin light-colored dorsal stripe. A very prominent black checkered pattern runs down each side of the snake. There is a dark blotch on either side of its neck and these blotches are separated from the corners of the mouth by a light-colored crescent shape. The scales are keeled, the belly is plain, and the anal plate is single. Adults 18 - 36 inches (46 - 91 cm)

Habitat:

Dry grasslands near a source of water

Notes:

This snake was found 2 full counties to the east of its previously marked range (in our state's herp field guide), thus re-writing the range map for the future re-print. Several other specimens were located in surrounding towns, thereby confirming the need to update the range map.