Thamnophis proximus rubrilineatus

Thamnophis proximus rubrilineatus, the redstripe ribbon snake, is a subspecies of the western ribbon snake, a garter snake endemic to the southern United States.

Geographic range

It is found in West Texas on the Edwards Plateau.

Description

This species has a distinctive red stripe down the center of the back, to which both the common name and the subspecific name refer.

Habitat and behavior

It is semiaquatic, spending most of its time on the edge of permanent bodies of water such as swamps, ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams. It is fast-moving and an excellent swimmer.

Diet

Its primary diet is amphibians, such as the northern cricket frog, but it will also consume lizards and small rodents.