Wild Caught Western Terrestrial

[Stefan-A]

I'm pretty sure that I read that the western has a pretty wide range from Canada all the way down through New Mexico and Colorado was on the list. Does the 3rd/4th row stripe provide the definitive answer? What are the distinguishing features of the Western vs the Plains?

It's a definite sign. The only other species with the stripe in those rows, are the two ribbon snakes and they don't resemble either radix or elegans. Then there's the general appearance.

I go by this application:
snakefinder

According to it, T. elegans should be found in the westernmost parts of the neighbouring states, but not in Colorado.

[Elliot]

Welcome to the forum, and I agree with Stefan. It looks more like a plains than a western terrestrial, especially with that bold orange stripe they are famous for!

[kurtnagel]

Thanks!

I will look up the plains.

Another question. It seems that some feed in home and some remove to feeder boxes. Given that she has not yet fed while in my care and the recommendation is to not handle her until she does, it seems I should feed her in her home, yes?

Opinions about feeder boxs/bags once she is acclimated?

Kurt

[Stefan-A]

Thanks!

I will look up the plains.

Another question. It seems that some feed in home and some remove to feeder boxes. Given that she has not yet fed while in my care and the recommendation is to not handle her until she does, it seems I should feed her in her home, yes?

I think so, yes.

Opinions about feeder boxs/bags once she is acclimated?

Anything escape proof is fine. Paper towels, newspaper or towels as substrate, or no substrate at all. The idea is that nothing can get accidentally ingested.

[kurtnagel]

It's a definite sign. The only other species with the stripe in those rows, are the two ribbon snakes and they don't resemble either radix or elegans. Then there's the general appearance.

I go by this application:
snakefinder

According to it, T. elegans should be found in the westernmost parts of the neighbouring states, but not in Colorado.

Interesting. Yes according to snakefinder it is not found in Colorado, but according to gartersnake.info the terrestrial can be found, along with the plains garter! Gartersnake.info uses (Baird and Girard 1853) as a reference. Admittedly an old reference, but...

It is not all that important as I will not ever attempt to breed her, but if there are any significant behavioral or care issues, that would be nice to know.

Kurt

[kurtnagel]

Okay,

I did find a site that indicates the Plains is abundant all throughout western Kansas, so could easily be in Colorado as well. Plus, the picture on the site is spot-on with what I have, so I am definitely leaning more towards the Plains.

I found a Colorado site that shows that both species are found in Boulder County, Colorado (Colorado herp society), but the description of the Plains is closer to what I have. Here is the description of the Elegans:

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)
Description: Adults 24" to 42" in length. Color brown to gray; gray and light tan checkerboard pattern conspicuous in juveniles, darkens and becomes obscure with age. Light stripe down sides of body, becomes less prominent with age. Prominent light stripe down back on individuals from southeastern Colorado; stripe faint or absent elsewhere. Moderately slender body; keeled scales. Single anal plate. Elevation Range: Usually below 11,000', but has been found at 13,100' in San Miguel County, southwest Colorado. Subspecies in Colorado: Thamnophis elegans vagransand

Here is the Radix:

Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix)
Description: Adults to 42" in length. Color greenish gray, light olive, to brownish; prominent yellow to orange stripe on back, pale stripe on sides. Moderately slender body; keeled scales. Single anal plate. Elevation Range: Below 7500' in eastern Colorado. Subspecies in Colorado: Thamnophis radix haydenii
Kurt

here are the sites I found:
Plains Garter Snakes in KansasColorado Herpetological Society