PLAINS GARTER SNAKE by Stuart Dodsworth

Thamnophis radix sp.

Distribution
There are currently two subspecies of Plains Garter Snake recognized, these are the Eastern and the Western varieties. Thamnophis radix radix and Thamnophis radix haydeni. In the wild they can be found in areas of Southern Canada and areas of the USA (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, E Wyoming, E Colorado, NE New Mexico, Oklahoma, N Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Arkansas).

Size
This species of Thamnophis has an average adult size of between 35cm to 107.5cm (14" and 43"). Young are up to 19cm at birth and there can be as many as 40 young in each litter, although litters with more than double this amount have occurred!

Diet
Their main diet consists of earthworms, strips of garter grub, moluscs and fish for hatchlings. As the snake grows, so will the frequency and amount of food given as well as an increase in prey size. From pink mice to small mice, earthworms, fish, crickets, strips of raw beef and garter grub. It is very important that these particular snakes are given a varied diet in order to prevent nutritional disorders. If fish is used then freshwater fish is best. If frozen fish is used it should be dipped in boiling water for thirty seconds after defrosting to kill the thiaminaise off, and reduce the risk of causing deficiencies I thiamin in the snake.

Requirements
· Heat Source: - This can be either reflector (spot) lights in green, blue or red, or ceramic bulbs. Thermostatically controlled heat mats can also be used to good effect. Whatever heat source is used it should be guarded and thermostatically controlled.
· Ultra Violet Light Source: - If the keeper wishes to use UV lighting one of the better brands is Reptisun 5.0 UVB light. This should be left on for 10 - 12 hours a day and replaced every six months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. This will create a day and nighttime effect as well as give your reptile sufficient levels of UV to allow vitamin D3 synthesis. Daily exposure to this light has been shown to increase activity levels and breeding activity in the Thamnophis species.
· Thermostat: - An essential part of every vivarium and is required to control the heat inside the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
· Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.
· Thermometers: - One should be placed at either end of the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat, as this is often inaccurate.
· Hides: - These are essential to prevent stress and allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Artificial plants, boxes, plant pots, caves etc. all make excellent hides.
· Housing - This should consist of a dark wooden Vivarium with glass frontage and adequate ventilation. Hatchlings can be kept in a smaller container inside their future Vivarium. A pair of adult snakes can live quite happily in a vivarium measuring 60 cm long by 45cm deep by 45cm high (24 inches long by 18 inches deep and 18 inches high). This species is livebearing so if you do not intend to breed keep same sex pairs or individuals.

Temperature
A background temperature of 25.5 - 26°C (76 - 78°F) should be created with a basking area of one third of the vivarium reaching temperatures of 27 - 28°C (80 - 82°F). At night the temperature may be allowed to drop to 26°C (78°F) although this is not recommended if the snake is suffering any respiratory infections.

Humidity and water
A large water bowl should be provided for this species of snake as they like to swim as well as drink from this water it should be changed daily. Some Plain's Garter Snakes will also eat their food (earthworms and fish pieces) from the water bowl. A humid hide containing sphagnum moss should be provided, especially during ecdysis.

Longevity
These animals have been known to reach ages of around 10 - 15 years although snakes living up to 20 years are not uncommon.

Substrate
This can be anything from newspaper, chip shop paper or even astro turf. Whatever you use remember that it must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent contamination from disease. Large pieces of dust free (not pine or cedar) bark mulch can be used to good effect and it also aids in maintaining the humidity. It is essential to provide a dry basking area with this species as ventral scale rot can occur if the basking areas are too moist.

Brumation
If you choose to brumate your snake a temperature of 12 - 17°C (52 - 62°F) for a period of 90 days would be satisfactory. Most people tend to do this around the end of October until the end of January. Water should always be available and no food should be given from 2 weeks before the beginning of the brumation period. Brumation is not recommended if your snake is unwell in any way or if your snake has not eaten sufficiently during the year. It is also not recommended for hatchlings.

NB - A distribution map can be found at http://www.thamnophis.com/artic22.htm

Recommended Reading/Useful Contacts
Stuart Dodsworth - stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society - www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society - www.thebhs.org
www.thamnophis.com
European Garter Snake Association - http://www.egsa.de/
Taxonomy Information - http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Thamnophis_SP_radix']