Scientific Name:
Thamnophis marcianus

Family Name:
Colubridae

Size:
The Checkered Garter Snake is longer than some other species of garter snake and can reach about three feet in length.

Color:
They can range in color from tan to a darker tannish-brown, brown, or olive. They are called "checkered" garter snakes because they have black-checkered patterns on their sides and bellies. The black checks are usually on green or sometimes yellow.

Diet:
In the wild these snakes are commonly found near pond or streams and they eat amphibians, fish, arthropods, worms, and the occasional rodent. In captivity they should have a varied diet and usually are not troublesome to feed - most will readily accept feeder goldfish, crickets, and appropriately sized baby mice, though some will show a definite preference for a particular food type.

Compatibility with Humans:
Average

Poisonious:
No