Species profile
Checkered Gartersnake
Thamnophis marcianus
Identify Checkered Gartersnake (Thamnophis marcianus) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app.
At a glance
Checkered Gartersnake (Thamnophis marcianus) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 6,842 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Named for its bold black-and-white checkered pattern running along both sides.
- Found near water sources across the southwestern United States and throughout much of Mexico.
- Eats frogs, fish, toads, and earthworms — one of the most varied gartersnake diets.
- Like all gartersnakes, it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
- Releases a pungent musk from cloacal glands when threatened by predators.
Where Checkered Gartersnake are seen
Background
The checkered garter snake (Thamnophis marcianus) is a species of garter snake endemic to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Checkered Gartersnake article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other reptiles on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Checkered Gartersnake?
Checkered Gartersnake (Thamnophis marcianus) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
What is the scientific name for Checkered Gartersnake?
Checkered Gartersnake is Thamnophis marcianus.
Are there fishing rules for Checkered Gartersnake?
Checkered Gartersnake does not currently have published fishing rules in CatchRules' curated jurisdictions. Identification, range, and habitat are still tracked above.
How can I identify Checkered Gartersnake?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Checkered Gartersnake along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.