New member with ID question.

[Gwangi]

Hello everyone, new member here and this is my first post. I'm fairly new to keeping garter snakes and currently only have one. I recently acquired her from craigslist via a college student. Apparently the snake's mother was captured in Iowa and brought to Cornell University where she gave birth. My snake is one of those babies. I was told that she's a plains garter but looking through various web sites and books I think I disagree with this identification, she looks more like a red-sided to me. Perhaps someone can give me some confirmation? Regardless of what she is I absolutely love this little snake, tons of personality. I can see myself really getting into garter snakes in the future, this seemed like the place to be!

And finally, some pictures. Her name is Sheila.

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[Zdravko092368]

Looks like a red-sided to me too. Welcome or the forums and garter snakes. They are really fun little fellas.

[Tommytradix]

welcome! and yes looks like a red-sided to me too this is plains
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[guidofatherof5]

Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis - Red sided garter. Certainly has a range in Iowa.

[Gwangi]

Thanks for the confirmation everyone, that's what I thought it was.

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks for the confirmation everyone, that's what I thought it was.

Good looking snake by the way.

[joeysgreen]

Welcome to the forums. I concur with everyone else that it's a T. s. parietalis. A very handsome one at that, thank you for sharing. I find it interesting to see how snakes vary throughout their range. Your snake has an olive coloured head, while all the ones I have come across here in Alberta have the same black on their head that is on the rest of the dorsum.
Also in comparison to Tommy's T. radix pictures, the ones around here are more solid black as opposed to the checkerboard background.

Ian

[Gwangi]

There is so much regional variation with these snakes that that's ultimately why I felt the need to confirm it here. For all I know THERE IS a variation of plains garter with markings like mine so I just had to ask, especially considering I'm a novice at this. Any special tips on this particular kind of snake or just basic garter care? I've read up on garter snakes in general so I think I'm good there.

[joeysgreen]

Basic care should suffice.

[snakegirl909]

Welcome to the forum! You have a beutiful garter :)

[Gwangi]

Thanks again everyone, not only for the info but the warm welcome as well.