Keep in mind this is our first series. Advice and criticism accepted but keep it polite. If you cannot keep it polite then please feel free to contact one of us directly and we will address your concerns. Some of caches, if they are large enough, contain swag and FTF prizes.
Have fun and be safe out there!
The western ribbon snake (Thamnophis proximus) is a long, slender garter snake with a stripy body and a very long tail, which makes up nearly a third of its total length. The background color of the western ribbon snake varies from dark brown to olive-grey, olive-brown or black, and there are three light stripes running along the body. The central stripe, running down the spine, ranges from greyish-tan to gold, reddish or orange, while the two stripes along the sides are usually pale yellowish. The belly of the western ribbon snake is an immaculate white, cream, pale yellow or pale greenish.
Although originally described as a distinct species, the western ribbon snake was for many years treated as a subspecies of the eastern ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus). It is distinguished from the eastern ribbon snake by its larger, more conspicuous pale spots on the head, as well as a by its longer snout, shorter tail, and greater number of scales on the upper lip. Compared to other garter snakes (Thamnophis species), the western ribbon snake is less stocky and has a much longer tail. It is also distinguished by the lack of dark markings on the lips and belly.
Also known as:
- Arid land ribbon snake
- Chiapas highland ribbon snake
- Gulf Coast ribbon snake
- Mexican ribbon snake
- Redstripe ribbon snake
- Red-striped ribbon snake.
Size
Snout-vent length: up to 90 cm/Total length: up to 125 cm