Whats the difference?

[Wyoming]

OK So my son found a small snake on our property and we would like to ID it. We started researching it and I have found that where we live it could be one of two snakes, either Thamnophis radix or Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis.

Here are a few pictures:
Crop_05.jpgCrop_06.jpgCrop_07.jpgCrop_08.jpg

According to all the info I found there are 3 types of Garters in Wyoming, but only the two where we live in Southeastern Wyoming.

Thanks,
Zach

[NickB]

OK So my son found a small snake on our property and we would like to ID it. We started researching it and I have found that where we live it could be one of two snakes, either Thamnophis radix or Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis.

Here are a few pictures:
Crop_05.jpgCrop_06.jpgCrop_07.jpgCrop_08.jpg

According to all the info I found there are 3 types of Garters in Wyoming, but only the two where we live in Southeastern Wyoming.

Thanks,
Zach

That's a Thamnophis Radix bud!

[Wyoming]

Thanks, How do we tell the difference between them so we know what we find in the future?

[guidofatherof5]

T.radix in opaque phase (shedding phase). An under tail photo would allow us to sex it for you. I think it's a young female.
Find and compare photos of both. Learn the differences.
Then there is always the difference in scale counts.
One big difference is lateral stripe location.
T.radix- rows 3 and 4
T.sirtalis- rows 2 and 3

[ProXimuS]

You're about to have a pretty, shiny radix on your hands We'd love to see after the shed!

[-MARWOLAETH-]

How would can you tel it's a female without a vent shot

[guidofatherof5]

How would can you tel it's a female without a vent shot

Head structure and over all body signs.
Males tend to have a more narrow head then females and a more slender body.
I try to hone my skills in this identification whenever I can.
Still, vent sexing is much more accurate.

I do know one thing. If it's not a female then I'll say male.

[Wyoming]

Here are some photos to aid in the sexing of this snake.

Sexing_Pic_1.jpgSexing_Pic_2.jpgSexing_Pic_3.jpg

I have pictures of 3 babies born last September that I would also like to get opinions on. I'll post them to another topic later. Thanks!

[thamneil]

Looks like a nice female to me. Very good looking radix!