Description

Ribbonsnakes are relatively common in their range, found in woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands. The western species can be found in northwest Mississippi. They are often darker, more “contrasting” in appearance than the eastern species, with darker black sides (eastern ribbons are often more brown in color on the sides of the body). The Orange-striped Ribbonsnake has a bold orange or yellow middorsal line, often with a light precolular scale, reduced labial bars, and the lateral lines on the 3rd and 4th scale. The parietal spots on the top of the head are often highly visible and merging, though this trait is variable among Thamnophis species. Seen often basking on roads near wetlands or swamps.

Identifying Traits

• Lateral line on 3rd and 4th scale from ventral (separates from common garter snake)
• Large parietal spots and light preocular scale

Subspecies Present:

Orange-striped Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus proximus)

Habitat

Woodlands, grasslands, ditches, lakes, ponds, often found near bodies of water (semiaquatic)

Behavior

Semiqauatic, not often found away from sources of water.

Diet

Various invertebrates, fish, tadpoles