Antiope, Valkyrie, and Hades the Northwestern Garters (Thamnophis ordinoides)
“Garter Snake” is a common name for generally harmless, small to medium-sized snakes belonging to the genus Thamnophis in the family Colubridae. Native to North and Central America, species in the genus Thamnophis can be found from the subarctic plains of Canada to Costa Rica.
With about 35 recognized species and subspecies, garter snakes are highly variable in appearance. They generally have large round eyes, round pupils, a slender build, keeled scales, and a pattern of longitudinal stripes that may or may not include spots (although some don’t have stripes at all). They also vary significantly in total length from as short as 18″ to as long as 51″ (45-130cm).
Garter Snakes in captivity have a variable diet that includes rodents, fish, nightcrawler worms, and frog meat. This allows for more flexibility in their diet and ease in storing/finding food for them.
Garter snakes were underrated as pets for a LONG time, but are finally getting the recognition they deserve – they are FANTASTIC pets! They are social and cohabitate with other garters wonderfully. They are fun to watch, and come in so many beautiful colors and sizes.
At Creature Farm, we currently keep 3 species of Garter Snakes:
- Thamnophis Ordiniodes (Northwestern Garter)
- Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus (Oregon Red Spotted Garter)
- Thamnophis marcianus (Checkered Garter)
