question about two baby garters I found....

[snakems]

I was wondering if it is normal for baby garters to have what almost looks like a "slit" down their stomach a little further up the tail than the cloaca but crossing down the ventral scales.... maybe about this long _____ on a baby about 7 or 8 inches long. Both of the two baby eastern garters that I recently posted pictures of had what looked like a grey slit down their little tummies .... I am hoping this is normal as they both had the same EXACT mark and it didnt look like it was an injury of any kind and they certainly didnt seem hurt in any way.... I took pictures I will post later if no one knows what this is or if its normal or not
THANKS!

[count dewclaw]

Sounds like it could be where the umbilicus attached, was it in about this location http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/gene...-babies-3.html (scroll down a post or two)?

[marusy]

hmm i noticed my snake has a similar mark Oo
never actually thought of what it might be before...

[ssssnakeluvr]

that's where the umbilicalscord was attached....will go away after a few sheds....nothing to worry about

[confused]

so if mine has that she's within two sheds from birth?

[drache]

so if mine has that she's within two sheds from birth?

definitely
on some of mine I can still see it at a year old, just as a faint line
haven't checked any of the adults to see, but I think it's probably too subtle

[snakems]

thanks guys!

[guidofatherof5]

Is this what it looked like? This is a newborn's belly button.