Reptiles and Amphibians of North Dakota
Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix)
Plains garter snakes are very similar to common garter snakes. They can be identified by three stripes, with the middle stripe often being bright orange or yellow. The side stripes may take on a bluish-green hue. A double row of spots between the stripes can also be found.
These snakes are found inhabiting grasslands around marshes, pond edges, coulee bottoms, and prairie potholes. Frogs and minnows make up the diet of these snakes but they also eat a wide variety of insects.
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