California Red-sided Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis)- Marin County, CA
This particular specimen exhibited the high blue coloration the is common amongst coastal infernalis, but does not display well in this photograph, as it was in shed.
Within their range, California Red-sided Gartersnakes are quite common.
Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) and Red-eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans)- Marin County, CA
Sharp-tailed Snake (Contia tenius)- Marin County, CA
While searching for California Red Sided Gartersnakes (Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis) this weekend, I happened upon this adult Sharp-tailed underneath a log.
Pictured above is the first time I have ever seen a Sharp-tailed open its mouth.
Pattern and color variance of Coast Gartersnakes (Thamnophis elegans terrestris) within the San Francisco Bay Area.
Aquatic Gartersnake “Intergrade” (Thamnophis atratus atratus x atratus zaxanthus)- Marin County, CA
The Aquatic Gartersnakes of coastal Marin County are natural occurring intergrades between the Diablo Range Gartersnake and Santa Cruz Gartersnake. This particular snake exhibited features from both subspecies.
California Red-sided Gartersnake “Blue Phase” (Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis)- Marin County, CA
Rivaling the San Francisco Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) in beauty, the California Red-sided Gartersnakes of coastal Marin County exhibit an intense blue dorsal stripe and belly. When I found this specimen, it was deep in shed, hence the less than vibrant colors.
Coast Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans terrestris)- Marin County, CA
Gorgeous adult Coast Garter that I found last year along the coast of Marin County, CA. In this particular area, two other species of Garter Snakes also occur- Aquatic Garters and CA Red Sided Garters.
Out in the field with fellow Bay Area herpers- Marin County, CA
Nothing beats the thrill of flipping a board and finding living gems. In this case, a hot Spring day in Marin County yielded 2 massive Pacific Gophersnakes (Pituophis catenifer catenifer) and 1 GORGEOUS California kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae).
My true passion in life is getting out in the field and surrounding myself with the wonder that is nature.
