Scientific Name: (Eastern) Thamnophis sauritus sauritus
(Northern)Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis
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

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
• Bob Ferguson