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[[Image:Garter snake 240x180 border.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Garter snake''' (© RVC)]]

[[Image:Garter snake 240x180 border.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Garter snake''' (© RVC)]]

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Garter snakes (''Thamnophis'' spp.) are in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae and are extremely common pet snakes. They are very agile and live between three to 10 years in captivity.  

Garter snakes (''Thamnophis'' spp.) are in the subfamily Natricinae of the family [[Colubridae|Colubridae]] and are extremely common pet snakes. They are very agile and live between three to 10 years in captivity.

 

==Morphology==

==Morphology==

They may attain over a metre (4 ft) and characteristically have three yellowish lateral stripes and a double row of spots between the stripes but the morphology is extremely variable.  

They may attain over a metre (4 ft) and characteristically have three yellowish lateral stripes and a double row of spots between the stripes but the morphology is extremely variable.  

*Diet – Young garter snakes may be difficult to rear but will eat chopped whole fresh-water fish and earthworms. Adults should be fed three to four times each week. Commercial food such as "Garter Grub" is available.  

*Diet – Young garter snakes may be difficult to rear but will eat chopped whole fresh-water fish and earthworms. Adults should be fed three to four times each week. Commercial food such as "Garter Grub" is available.  

*Reproduction – Garter snakes are viviparous and can be bred from two to three years of age. They may breed twice a year. Litter sizes usually number 10 to 30 (although much higher are recorded). The young are born in the late summer and average over 20 cms in length. The young eat frequently to fatten up before the winter hibernation.  

*Reproduction – Garter snakes are viviparous and can be bred from two to three years of age. They may breed twice a year. Litter sizes usually number 10 to 30 (although much higher are recorded). The young are born in the late summer and average over 20 cms in length. The young eat frequently to fatten up before the winter hibernation.  

*Veterinary considerations – Garter snakes are often presented with neurological signs due to hypothiaminosis because of their inappropriate diet.

*Veterinary considerations – Garter snakes are often presented with neurological signs due to [[Snake_Hypothiaminosis|hypothiaminosis]] because of their inappropriate diet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[[Category:Snake_Species]]

[[Category:Snake_Species]]

[[Category:Lizard_and_Snake_Glossary]]

[[Category:Lizard_and_Snake_Glossary]]