Wild caught morphs

[ConcinusMan]

Well, why all the mystery? count the upper labials and let us know. All T. elegans subspecies have 8. Also, is the base color of the snake solid as it appears in the photo? or does it have spots like this wandering?

T. elegans vagrans (wandering garter)





"mountain garter" T. elegans elegans (keep in mind both of these snakes are considered "western terrestrial" garters, just two different subspecies)
Note the 8 upper labials (like all T. elegans subspecies have) and lack of distinct spots:

[snake man]

Ok i will get back to you if i can ever catch her again. Might have to wait for spring.

[ConcinusMan]

Oh, I hadn't realized you didn't have her. Still, did she look more like the bottom one or the top?

[snake man]

Probally the bottom.

[SilasBannook]

Here is a diagram of a garter snake's head to help you know how to count the labials (upper and lower jaw scales). Labial scale count is one of the ways (not exclusive) you can differentiate one garter subspecies from another.

snake head diagram.jpg

This diagram comes from Ruthven's book on variations of garter snakes (1908).

[ConcinusMan]

Probally the bottom.

Then I'll say again, not a wandering.

[guidofatherof5]

Very old and interesting. Thanks.

[ConcinusMan]

Ha! looks a lot like some drawings I did as a teen.