Snakes with stripes come in a remarkable diversity of colors patterns and habitats across North America. From the familiar backyard garter snake to the venomous timber rattlesnake, these reptiles showcase some of nature’s most vivid designs. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common and interesting striped snake species found in the U.S.
What Causes Stripes on Snakes?
Stripes on snakes can serve several purposes depending on the species Some key reasons snakes have evolved stripes include
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Camouflage: Stripes can help snakes blend into their environments, especially in habitats with vertical structures like grass or reeds. The lines break up the snake’s body outline.
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Warning coloration: Vivid stripes in certain snakes are thought to warn potential predators that they may be venomous or unpalatable. The timber rattlesnake is a prime example.
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Temperature regulation: Darker pigmented stripes may help absorb or reflect heat depending on the habitat. This aids snakes in thermoregulation.
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Identification: Stripes help distinguish between species and sexes. Striped patterns are often unique to specific snakes.
Common Striped Snake Species
From coast to coast, here are some of the most frequently encountered striped snakes in the United States:
Garter Snakes
Several garter snake species exhibit lengthwise stripes. These thin snakes have keeled scales and feed mostly on amphibians, earthworms, small fish, and rodents. Though mildly venomous, they pose little risk to humans.
Ribbon Snakes
Closely tied to garter snakes, ribbon snakes inhabit wetlands across eastern North America. Their slender bodies and bright yellow stripes running along a dark back are signature.
Timber Rattlesnakes
The large, heavy-bodied timber rattlesnake shows a rusty middorsal stripe. They live in forests across the eastern U.S. Their potentially deadly venom makes them snakes to avoid.
Racer Snakes
Very long, fast snakes, racers come in a variety of striped species. The eastern coachwhip often has a tan or light gray body with dark brown stripes running the length of its 2+ meter body.
Gopher & Pine Snakes
In the Southeast and Gulf states, pine snakes and gopher snakes display rows of dark brown to black blotches down a buff-colored back, sometimes forming a solid stripe.
Ringneck Snakes
Tiny, shiny black snakes with bold yellow to orange neck rings, these snakes are found under logs and leaf litter nationwide. Some have yellow stripes along their petite 10-inch bodies.
Patch-nosed Snakes
A number of smallish patch-nosed snake species in the west exhibit stripes, usually with a wide middorsal stripe. Most have enlarged rostral scales on their noses.
Milk Snakes
From the vivid scarlet milk snake to the pale gray prairie milk snake, these nonvenomous constrictors can be plain or brightly striped in banded patterns of white, gray, reddish, and black.
Glossy Snakes
Secretive snakes of the southwest U.S., glossy snakes range from plain to striped. The Arizona glossy has a yellowish tan body with darker brown stripes along its chunky body.
Western Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes like the prairie, Great Basin, and Mojave rattlesnake sometimes display a vertebral stripe lighter than the ground color. Beware of their potentially deadly venom.
Why Stripes Work
The incredible diversity of striped snakes shows how effective and adaptable this coloration can be. Whether providing camouflage in tall grasslands, warning of venom, or regulating body temperature, stripes give snakes an evolutionary advantage in habitats across North America. So appreciate these sleek reptiles, but be sure to admire most species from a safe distance!
Austin-Area Snakes with Stripes
Stripes are narrow lines of color that run lengthwise down the snakes body. They may be one scale wide or several scales wide.
Photo by Adam Dawson |
Photo by Adam Dawson |
Photo by Adam Dawson |
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Photo by Adam Dawson |
Photo by Adam Dawson |
Photo by Adam Dawson |
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Snakes with StripesSnakes with StripesSnakes with Stripes
| Austin-Area Snakes with Stripes | Stripes are narrow lines of color that run lengthwise down the snakes body. They may be one scale wide or several scales wide. |
Eastern Brown Snake jumps into the air
FAQ
What snake is mistaken for a cottonmouth?
In contrast to copperheads, cottonmouths frequently hang out in or near water. So, as you might expect, they are frequently confused with watersnakes (non-venomous snakes in the Nerodia genus). As I mentioned above, cottonmouths have vertical pupils and a relatively triangular head, while watersnakes in general do not.
What type of snake has stripes?
Often erroneously called a “garden snake,” the garter snake can be identified by three light stripes that run the entire length of its body on the back and sides. These stripes resemble “garters,” which are bands worn around the leg to keep up a stocking or sock. Stripes can be yellow or white.
How venomous are garter snakes?
While most garter snake species, including the common garter snake, are not considered dangerous to humans, they possess mild venom but lack an effective means of delivering that venom. This venom is primarily a neurotoxin, which may cause mild swelling and bruising in some individuals.
How to tell if a snake is poisonous by its stripes?
A common mnemonic to distinguish them from non-venomous look-alikes (like the milk snake) is: “Red next to black, friend of Jack; red next to yellow, kill a fellow.” However, many snakes with red and white stripes, such as some species of king snakes and milk snakes, are non-venomous and harmless.
What type of snake has a striped body?
Some of these species have stripes that run the length of their bodies, like garter snakes. Other snake species have stripes that go around their bodies, but many of them. One example of this type of striped snake is a California kingsnake, or a coral snake. 1. Common garter snake
Do snakes have stripes?
While many of us think of snakes as having solid colors or complicated patterns, some species have simple stripes. From the common garter snake to the venomous coral snake, these snakes with stripes can be found all over North America. In this article, we’ll learn about some of them and take a look at some pictures of them.
What is a two striped garter snake?
The two-striped garter snake is an aquatic garter snake endemic to the western part of North America. This species can be found in central California, and unlike other garter snakes, which have three stripes on their bodies, these creatures only have two stripes on their bodies, which are found on their sides. 15. Checkered garter snake
What does a striped whip snake look like?
Striped Whipsnakes are easily recognized by their striped bodies. They typically exhibit a few white-yellow stripes on a dark to black body. The stripes turn white closer to the head, and there are usually yellow stripes towards the tail.
What are black snakes with white stripes?
When it comes to snakes, people often associate them with mystery, danger, and beauty. Among the wide variety of snakes, black snakes with white stripes stand out due to their striking appearance. These snakes are not only fascinating because of their distinctive coloration but also for their unique biological features and behaviors.
What does a brown snake with stripes look like?
A striped morph of brown color is also seen in this species. The stripe is located centrally on the dorsal side of the snake, with rows of dark spots on each side. These snakes, known as Dekay’s Brownsnakes, are found in various habitats including woodlands, marshes, grasslands, and old farm fields.