The garter snake is a colubrid
snake genus (Thamnophis) common across North America, ranging from the
Alaskan Panhandle to Central America. It is the single most widely
distributed genus of reptiles in North America[citation needed]. The
garter snake is also the Massachusetts state reptile. With no real
consensus on the classification of species of Thamnophis, disagreement
among taxonomists.
Garter
snakes spread throughout North America. The common garter snake
(Thamnophis sirtalis) is the only species of snake to be found in
Alaska, and is one of the northernmost species of snake in the world,
possibly second only to the crossed viper, Vipera berus. The genus is as
far ranging due to its less discriminant diet and adaptability to
different biomes and landforms, with varying proximity to water.
Garter
snakes, like all snakes, are carnivorous. Their diets consist of almost
any creature they are capable of overpowering: slugs, earthworms,
leeches, lizards, amphibians, ants, crickets, frog eggs, toads, and
rodents. When living near water, they will eat other aquatic animals.
The ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus) in particular favors frogs
(including tadpoles), readily eating them despite their strong chemical
defenses.
Food
is swallowed whole. Garter snakes often adapt to eating whatever they
can find, and whenever, because food can be scarce or abundant. Although
they feed mostly upon live animals, they will sometimes eat eggs.
Garter snakes have complex systems of pheromonal communication. They can
find other snakes by following their pheromone-scented trails.
Male
and female skin pheromones are so different as to be immediately
distinguishable. However, male garter snakes sometimes produce both male
and female pheromones. During mating season, this ability fools other
males into attempting to mate with them. This causes the transfer of
heat to them in kleptothermy, which is an advantage immediately after
hibernation, allowing them to become more active.