Black-necked Garter Snake
Thamnophis cyrtopsis
A garter snake of rocky canyon streams, easily identified by bold black neck blotches.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-1.0 m (1.3-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America
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Overview
The black-necked garter snake is a widespread species of the American Southwest and Mexico, often found along rocky canyon streams and desert waterways.
It is named for the two prominent black blotches on the neck just behind the head, a key identification feature separating it from other garter snakes in its range.
How to identify it
- Gray, olive, or brown background color
- Distinctive pair of large black blotches on the neck
- Yellow or orange dorsal stripe, often brightest near the head
- Lateral stripes present on lower scale rows
- Keeled scales
- Distinguished by the bold black neck markings unique among regional garter snakes
Habitat & range
Found along rocky streams, canyons, and desert waterways from the southwestern United States through Mexico and into Central America, often in arid or semi-arid landscapes near permanent or seasonal water.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Active by day, hunting frogs, toads, tadpoles, and fish along stream edges and rocky banks. Tolerant of drier conditions than many garter snakes, moving between water sources during dry periods. Gives birth to live young in summer.
Frequently asked questions
How do you identify a black-necked garter snake?
Look for the two bold black blotches on the neck just behind the head, combined with a bright yellow or orange dorsal stripe.
Is it venomous?
It has mild venom for prey but poses no danger to humans.
Where does it live?
It ranges from the southwestern United States through Mexico into Central America, often near rocky desert streams.
What does it eat?
It preys on frogs, toads, tadpoles, and fish found near water.
Black-necked Garter Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Black-necked Garter Snake.
