Do garter snakes interbreed?
As you know, garter snakes and ribbon snakes are both members of the genus Thamnophis, and, of course, they prefer similar habitats and they exploit similar resources. But they are different species, right, and so, by definition, cannot hybridize.
Are garter snakes the same as ribbon snakes?
The ribbon snake is a member of the garter snake group (the genus Thamnophis). Ribbon snakes can be distinguished from their close relatives the true garter snakes by their slender body shape, glossy scales, and relatively longer tails.
How can you tell if a ribbon snake is pregnant?
You can tell a female has become gravid when her skin stretches, spreading out her scales. A gravid female’s appetite will increase dramatically (I feed gravid females every other day) until a week or so before giving birth, when she’ll quit eating entirely.
How many garter snakes live together?
Multiple garter snakes can be kept together with more space however they should be separated for feeding to avoid incidental cannibalism. A pair of garter snakes can live comfortably in a 55 gallon size. The more space the better as garters are very active and like to climb.
What time of year do garter snakes mate?
spring
Common garter snakes breed in the spring and give birth to their young in late summer.
How many babies do ribbon snakes have?
The ribbon snake gives birth to live young typically in litters of 3 to 26 individuals.
When can garter snakes mate?
Sexually mature between 1.5 and 2 years of age. Breeding may occur in spring or fall. Gestation is usually two to three months, although females can also store the sperm if the habitat is not right. Most females give birth to 10 to 40 live young between late July and October.
What time of year do garter snakes have babies?
Gestation is usually two to three months. Most females in the northern parts of their range give birth to from 4 to 80 young between late July and October. Most litters range from 10 to 40 young and litter size depends on the size of the female, with larger females giving birth to larger litters.