Western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans)

Short answers

Western terrestrial garter snake: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 140×85×55 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, garter snakes).

Western terrestrial garter snake: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot 30–35 °C (local hot spot), at night 16–20 °C.

Western terrestrial garter snake: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential but recommended (diurnal).

Western terrestrial garter snake: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: ~6–10 years (up to 12).

Western terrestrial garter snake: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–28 °C

Night temperature

16–20 °C

Basking spot

30–35 °C (local hot spot)

Humidity

40–60 %

UVB

UVB not essential but recommended (diurnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 140×85×55 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, garter snakes)

Substrate

Absorbent soil or a sand-soil mix; a bathing spot; a humid box

Feeding

Food

Highly variable: fish (smelt), earthworms, slugs, amphibians, pinkie mice; add vitamin B1 if feeding fish only

Feeding interval

adults 1–2×/week, juveniles every 2–3 days

Key facts

Adult size

45–90 cm (up to ~1.1 m; females larger)

Life expectancy

~6–10 years (up to 12)

Origin

Western North America (the west coast of the USA and Canada to the Rocky Mountains)

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; not protected

Brumation

A winter rest or cooling of 6–8 weeks at ~8–12 °C (a temperate species; for breeding)

Cohabitation

Group housing is possible but requires particular care in this species: an increased tendency towards cannibalism is documented, so always feed separately and only house similarly sized animals together.

Notes

A robust, opportunistic feeder (it eats slugs and worms too → a good alternative to a pure fish diet, with a lower thiamine risk). Live-bearing. With unequal sizes there is a risk of cannibalism → match the sizes carefully.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Ahumada's alpine garter snake (Thamnophis ahumadai) – Expert
• Bogert's garter snake (Thamnophis bogerti) – Expert
• Butler's garter snake (Thamnophis butleri) – Intermediate
• Cope's mountain meadow snake (Thamnophis copei) – Expert
• Fox's mountain meadow snake (Thamnophis foxi) – Expert
• Yellow-throated garter snake (Thamnophis pulchrilatus) – Expert
• Common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) – Beginner
• Godman's garter snake (Thamnophis godmani) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 140×85×55 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, garter snakes)), substrate (Absorbent soil or a sand-soil mix; a bathing spot; a humid box), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.