Eastern Ribbon Snake

Scientific Name:Thamnophis sauritus
Size: 20-34 inches (50.8-86.3 cm) in length
PA Status: Species of special concern

Habitat Type:
Rocky hillsides, grassy fields, deciduous forest, swamps, near ponds, or bogs with a permanent water source. May be found in trees or shrubs, or on land, near or in water..

Colorations:
Adults:

  • The dorsal has three light yellow longitudinal stripes; one vertebral and two lateral.
  • The region between the vertebral and lateral stripes ranges from reddish brown to black.
  • The ventrolateral region is medium to dark brown.
  • The ventral is yellow to green.
  • The head is brown with black maculations.
  • The parietals often have light spots.
  • The supralabials are white, offset by a black line.
  • The preocular and first postocular are often white.
  • Similar to adults.

Characteristics:

  • Long and slender species
  • Slender body and a very long tail.
  • The head is moderately distinct from the body.
  • Large eyes
  • Semi-arboreal & semi-aquatic

Scale Counts:

  • 19 scale rows at midbody.
  • 19 scale rows at anterior.
  • 17 scale rows near the tail.
  • 143-177 ventral scales
  • 94-136 subcaudals scales | 2 rows of subcaudals
  • 1 loreal scales
  • 1 preocular scale
  • 3 postoculars scales
  • 1 + 2 + 3 temporal scales
  • 7-8 supralabials
  • 10 infralabials
  • Anal plate is undivided

Confused with:

  • Garter Snake
  • Queen Snake

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults
Ribbon Snake - By: Kyle Loucks Ribbon Snake - By: Bob Hamilton Ribbon Snake - By: Bob Hamilton
Ribbon Snake - By: Bob Hamilton

Range Map:
Ribbon Snake Range Map

References:

  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 331-336pp.
  • Ernst, Carl H. and Ernst, Evelyn M. ,2003. Snakes of the United States and Canada. 419-424pp.

Photo Credits:

  • Bob Hamilton
  • Kyle Loucks