So what does (Thamnophis) CONCINNUS mean?

[ConcinusMan]

Definition of concinnous
[kuhn-sin-uhs]adjective

characterized by concinnity; elegant; harmonious; stylistically congruous.

Origin:
1645–55; < L concinnus neatly arranged, elegant; see -ous

Elegant and neatly arranged? I can agree with that.

If anyone else has a better explanation of the origin of the concinnus name attached to our beloved Red-spotted (sirtalis) garter snake, I would love to hear it!

[ConcinusMan]

I found yet another possible interpretation:

clever (style); pretty/pleasing.

I am very surprised that 'concinnus' wasn't already applied to another subspecies before Oregon Red Spotted garter snakes were described to science. Surely there were other sirtalis' that fit any of the above meanings, long before concinnus were officially named.

But, I have a theory about why they chose that name. In a new land with many garter snakes of highly variable color, one could travel from Longview, WA to Salem, OR and yet this particular snake will not vary much. The pattern and colors remain somewhat consistent unlike some other subspecies of sirtalis. Also, the only other garter that could be found among concinnus must have been ordinoides which is highly variable. So in order to provide a distinction, 'concinnus' must have been a good choice if taken as one or both of the following definitions:

harmonious; stylistically congruous;

Or in other words, the snake appeared to be corresponding in character or kind; appropriate or harmonious. (each specimen encountered looked very much like the next of it's kind without high variability)

But the word can also mean pretty and/or pleasing so both meanings apply to this snake.

Who can argue with that?

OR

[BUSHSNAKE]

Do you know what Thamnophis means? the first Thamnophis that was decribed was a ribbon snake that was found in a bush so it basicly means bush snake...

[Stefan-A]

it basicly means bush snake...

That is correct.

[ConcinusMan]

Yeah, I heard that. Why not everyone post what their favorite garter name means.

[Stefan-A]

Why not everyone post what their favorite garter name means.

Thamnophis elegans vagrans. Who can't figure out what that means?

[ConcinusMan]

That one's pretty self-explanatory. I take it to mean elegant wanderer. I didn't check with a translator, would that be correct?

[Stefan-A]

That one's pretty self-explanatory. I take it to mean elegant wanderer. I didn't check with a translator, would that be correct?

Well, I wouldn't start forming entire sentences based on the scientific name, but yes, the words translate to that.

[ConcinusMan]

That's a bit confusing because concinnus can mean elegant as well.

[Stefan-A]

That's a bit confusing because concinnus can mean elegant as well.

Perhaps more "neat" than "elegant".