Rossman’s Garter Snake
Thamnophis rossmani Conant, 2000
| Subspecies | None |
|---|---|
| Max. Recorded Length | 64.8 cm (SVL); 25.5 inches (SVL) |
Range
Mexico: Nayarit.
Description
A medium-sized, brown garter snake with yellow-green stripes from the vicinity of Tepic, in the Mexican state of Nayarit, where it has been observed catching small fish from streams. Thamnophis rossmani was previously considered a disjunct population of Mexican Garter Snake, Thamnophis eques. Conant (2000) elevated it to full species status based on morphological differences. The largest specimen collected was a female 74.5 cm in length, but had a severely stubbed tail and would have been even longer if intact; that specimen’s snout-vent length of 64.8 cm is listed instead.
Conservation
The habitat of Rossman’s Garter Snake is quite limited, and, according to Conant, has suffered significant alteration since the 1960s; this species may be at significant risk if not already extinct.
Captive Care
For general information on keeping garter snakes in captivity, please go to the Care section.
Sources
Conant, R. 2000. A new species of garter snake from western Mexico. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science 76.
North American Watersnakes
The Garter Snakes: Evolution and Ecology