Scientific name:
Thamnophis ordinoides
Dutch name:
Noordwestelijke kousebandslang
English name:
Northwestern Garter Snake
German name:
Nordwestliche Strumpfbandnatter

Subspecies:
None

Pictures of Thamnophis ordinoides…

Range:
In the coastal area of the Pacific Ocean from south-western British Columbia (including Vancouver Island) into north-western California.

Habitat:
Especially in areas along forest and scrub, pastures and grass areas in the boreal forest of the northwest of the USA.

Food:
Specializes in slugs and earthworms. Sometimes, amphibians and fish.

Reproduction:
Both spring- and autumn copulations observed. Ovulation in both cases late May/early June. Approximately 9 weeks after fertilization, the young are born. A litter consists of about 10 to 20 young, with one observation of 44 specimen in a litter in Washington.
The young are between 12 and 18 cm long at birth.

Terrarium:
A medium-sized terrarium with a small water basin is suitable for these snakes. Of course shelters and climbing branches are not lacking.
Can be a troublesome species in the care for its food specialization. If only slugs and worms are eaten they need extra calcium, etc. to avoid problems.
Is a calm species.

Specifics:
Length is an average of 50 to 60 cm with a maximum of about 100 cm.
Occurs at altitudes between 0 and 1400 meters.
The following was found in some studies around 1990. The color pattern and the way of escape from predators are related to each other. This is genetically determined.
# Striped snakes crawl away immediately from predators. The movement and speed of which are difficult to estimate in a striped animal.
# Spotted specimen or specimen without drawing on the other hand just remain quiet when they feel threatened. In this way they stay somewhat invisible, while when they would start crawling they would be seen. This species is highly variable in terms of appearance.

Observations