First Snake

[Plissken]

Well, finally got my first snake. A co-worker of mine knew I was looking for a snake and found this guy while mowing his yard. I don't have any under-shots yet for sexing, but I'm assuming someone can identify the type. Name is Sage, and he/she is about a 18-24" long. I was also wondering if it is possible to ballpark a snakes age on appearance? Anyway, here are the two shots I have so far. More to come.





The pictures don't really show the color well, but most of the scales seem kinda faded, not very vibrant. Is this common with older snakes, or maybe starting a shed cycle? Thanks

[zooplan]

Looks like a Redsided Garter Snake T. siratlis parietalis.
Is the size measured or estimated?
If it were a little longer, I would guess to be "her", because of the stature.

[Plissken]

That is an estimated size, "she" doesn't really enjoy being handled a whole lot right now. once i get her out again i can take some better photos and hopefully take a measurement.

[guidofatherof5]

I would concur with Dr. Udo on this. Red Sided Garter(T.s.p)
I say female by the head structure.
Give her sometime to settle in. If it does hold to be a female, she is more than likely gravid as the breeding season has been in full swing in Iowa.
Keep that in mind.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

if I am judging the tail properly, it looks like it could be a large male. maybe the tail is throwing it off.... but I agree, looks like a parietalis!

[ConcinusMan]

Jeez, you guys are much better at this than I am. I could barely even tell it is a garter snake, let alone what species and sex.

[Didymus20X6]

I would have figured the yellow stripe to be a give-away. But I'm not a professional, so take that with a few grains of non-iodized salt.

That enclosure sure could use some fake flowers and leaves, though.

[Didymus20X6]

That pic is kinda dark. Maybe you can see this one:
Plisskins-Snake.jpg

[Plissken]

Thanks everyone, I'll try and get some brighter pictures up soon. Steve, I'll keep an eye out for any little crawlers in the enclosure. I also plan on getting as larger tank soon, but I'll work on getting some plants now. Again, thanks.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

oh yea, that's got to be a parietalis! it looks big... almost too big to be a male... but maybe the way the tail is bent is deceiving me!