Eastern Ribbon Snake

Thamnophis sauritus

Eastern Ribbon Snake

ERSN

Status

The Eastern Ribbon Snake is common to uncommon throughout its range, although at some locations, particularly along the coast and in Florida it becomes locally common. The lower Florida Keys population of T. s. sackenii is state listed by Florida as threatened.

Reasons for Current Status

The lower Florida keys population of Thamnophis sauritus is threatened due to human development and destruction of habitat.

Description

The Eastern Ribbon Snake is a medium-sized (46–96.5 cm), slender, long-tailed snake. This species is dark brown dorsally, usually with three conspicuous yellow stripes. The lateral stripes are confined to the third and fourth scale rows. Four subspecies are recognized: nitae, sackenii, sauritus, and septentrionalis (Conant and Collins 1991).

Distribution

Thamnophis sauritus ranges east of the Mississippi River from southern Ontario and Maine to the Florida Keys.

Habitat

This is a very active, semiaquatic snake, preferring open, damp situations (Mount 1975). Habitats include pocosins, marshes, swamps, beaver ponds, weedy lake margins, stream margins, and grassy roadside ditches.

Special Requirements

Open, damp situations, with abundant ground cover, such as sedges and grasses, are required.

Breeding Habits

Mating usually occurs in early spring. The Eastern Ribbon Snake is ovoviviparous, usually dropping young in July or August. Litter sizes range from 3–26 young.

Food Habits

Amphibians and small fish are the primary food items of the Eastern Ribbon Snake.

Management Suggestions

Activities which alter marshy situations, such as impoundments, channelization, and drainage projects, should be avoided.

Additional References

Burt 1928; Carpenter, 1952a, b; Martof and others 1980.