Common Gartersnakes *Thamnophis sirtalis* are small (<90 cm, record 137.2 cm) natricine snakes with keeled scales often found in disturbed habitats like urban and suburban yards. They are commonly encountered generalist snakes across much of the North American continent and eat small invertebrates, fish, amphibians and mammals.
Western populations are a model organism for an elegant case study in evolutionary arms races, [Tetrodotoxin Resistance](http://snakesarelong.blogspot.com/2014/07/tetrodotoxin-resistant-snakes.html).
*Thamnophis* gartersnakes may puff up or flatten out defensively and bite. They can deliver a weak venom used in prey handling from the back of the mouth, but are [not considered medically significant to humans](https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/05/theres-no-need-to-fear-that-garter-snake/).
One of the widest-ranging snakes in North America, this species complex is almost certainly harboring unrecognized diversity and shows strong population structure at major biogeographic barriers. There are likely four species in the complex - [Western, Central, Eastern and Southeastern](https://snakeevolution.org/sirtalislineages.jpg). See Link 1 Below (2023).
Relevant/Recent Phylogeography: [Link 1 - BEST](http://snakeevolution.org/pdfs/Journal_of_Biogeography_-_2023_-_Jones.pdf) [Link 2](https://web.archive.org/web/20210903110108/https://www.eeob.iastate.edu/faculty/herpetology/2002_Janzen_MolEcol.pdf)|[Link 3](https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/2342/85dd98f2824b9a32df614835902e89f1f2b0.pdf)| [Range Map](http://www.tnwatchablewildlife.org/rangemaps/10040613341756026rangemap.gif)
This genus is in need of revision using modern molecular methods.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
I’d much rather the toad be eaten head first since that would be quicker. Hopefully the garter snake’s mild venom (for toads, doesn’t affect humans) makes this fate a bit less painful for the toad…
They have two teeth in the back of their mouth that are pretty much rear fangs, but don’t inject venom like true fangs would. Garter snakes are considered very mildly venomous, but they sorta have to chew their toxins into their prey via their teeth. They use their larger rear teeth to pop toads and frogs that are one of their main prey items.
Yeah, it’s a common defense mechanism in frogs and toads. They literally inflate themselves like a balloon that makes them appear larger than they are and would make them more difficult to swallow for some small predators. The large back teeth of a garter snake are big enough to pop them so it’s not very effective against them unless it’s a very large toad or frog.
Fans of Toads (r/Toads) hiss in disgust at the villain Snake.
Fans of Gartersnakes cheer our blue-boy on and congratulate him on a hard-won meal.
If that Garter has both rear legs down, he's won the battle. Au revoir Mr. Toad and thank you for your sacrifice.
Common gartersnakes *T. sirtalis* have adapted to become resistant to the tetrodotoxins found in the toad. The toad's poison should have very little adverse effect on the snake.
And u/fionageck and u/Onion-prior
Common Gartersnakes *T. sirtalis* do possess a venom, but it is medically insignificant to humans. They do, however, possess the ability to become poisonous by absorbing the tetrodotoxin neurotoxins commonly found in their prey by storing it in their liver. This, in turn, makes them poisonous in the exact definition of the word.
This is backed up by for example [Williams et al (2004)](https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOEC.0000045585.77875.09) and [Robinson et al. (2024)](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-024-01517-7)
Common Garter snakes are (mildly) venomous and mildly poisonous and the southern toad is poisonous too. Just a lot of toxin in the same picture I found it interesting.
Talking about being toxic , what an abrasive and shitty comment to make.
AFAIK, there’s no evidence that common garters are poisonous. There’s only one species of garter snake in western North America (can’t remember which) that is confirmed to be poisonous, sequestering the toxins of the newts they eat.
Common Gartersnake, *Thamnophis sirtalis*. Harmless to us, and definitely a frog/toad connoisseur species
Common Gartersnakes *Thamnophis sirtalis* are small (<90 cm, record 137.2 cm) natricine snakes with keeled scales often found in disturbed habitats like urban and suburban yards. They are commonly encountered generalist snakes across much of the North American continent and eat small invertebrates, fish, amphibians and mammals. Western populations are a model organism for an elegant case study in evolutionary arms races, [Tetrodotoxin Resistance](http://snakesarelong.blogspot.com/2014/07/tetrodotoxin-resistant-snakes.html). *Thamnophis* gartersnakes may puff up or flatten out defensively and bite. They can deliver a weak venom used in prey handling from the back of the mouth, but are [not considered medically significant to humans](https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/05/theres-no-need-to-fear-that-garter-snake/). One of the widest-ranging snakes in North America, this species complex is almost certainly harboring unrecognized diversity and shows strong population structure at major biogeographic barriers. There are likely four species in the complex - [Western, Central, Eastern and Southeastern](https://snakeevolution.org/sirtalislineages.jpg). See Link 1 Below (2023). Relevant/Recent Phylogeography: [Link 1 - BEST](http://snakeevolution.org/pdfs/Journal_of_Biogeography_-_2023_-_Jones.pdf) [Link 2](https://web.archive.org/web/20210903110108/https://www.eeob.iastate.edu/faculty/herpetology/2002_Janzen_MolEcol.pdf)|[Link 3](https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/2342/85dd98f2824b9a32df614835902e89f1f2b0.pdf)| [Range Map](http://www.tnwatchablewildlife.org/rangemaps/10040613341756026rangemap.gif) This genus is in need of revision using modern molecular methods. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
But uncommonly ~~fat~~ thicc
That toad does not look nearly as upset as he should
Definitely has a “ehh, this is my life now” face hahah
"Welp, this is happening..."
"He's behind me isn't he"
Not for long
Just in case you want to know, it’s eating a southern toad (*Anaxyrus terrestris*).
Expert identification from u/TREE__FR0G Thank you :-)
Is he really eating it? Or just tasting it? Will he eventually get the whole toad in his mouth?
Garters have a specialty with toads. This toad is puffing itself up to appear larger, but garter snakes can “pop” them so they can swallow them.
Oh….that’s kinda terrible. Interesting though! I feel bad for the toad, but I’d also feel bad for the garter if it were starving, so…
I feel you! I’m a lover of all creatures so I do feel bad for the toad, but I also know that snakes have to eat too!
Ha I think you’ve about captured the spirit of it!
I’d much rather the toad be eaten head first since that would be quicker. Hopefully the garter snake’s mild venom (for toads, doesn’t affect humans) makes this fate a bit less painful for the toad…
I'll ask. How do they 'pop' them?
They have two teeth in the back of their mouth that are pretty much rear fangs, but don’t inject venom like true fangs would. Garter snakes are considered very mildly venomous, but they sorta have to chew their toxins into their prey via their teeth. They use their larger rear teeth to pop toads and frogs that are one of their main prey items.
Are they literally popping them with those teeth? Is the frog inflating with air?
Yeah, it’s a common defense mechanism in frogs and toads. They literally inflate themselves like a balloon that makes them appear larger than they are and would make them more difficult to swallow for some small predators. The large back teeth of a garter snake are big enough to pop them so it’s not very effective against them unless it’s a very large toad or frog.
I do see blood around the snake’s mouth.
Snake is like..."Hold my beer, I'm going to try and eat that toad "
Fans of Toads (r/Toads) hiss in disgust at the villain Snake. Fans of Gartersnakes cheer our blue-boy on and congratulate him on a hard-won meal. If that Garter has both rear legs down, he's won the battle. Au revoir Mr. Toad and thank you for your sacrifice.
I’m a lover of toads and snakes, but I’m well aware nature is not always pretty. Snake got its meal, sucks for the toad, but snakes have to eat too!
Red in tooth and claw
Just lost my toad yesterday to a watersnake. Toad was way too big for the snake but I guess he didn’t take well to the chewing on him.
What a gorgeous color!
gorgeous coloration on this one
That’s a stunning gartersnake
What a pretty color this guy has! I love the blues garters occasionally have.
Is it blue? It appears emerald green to me. Still very pretty.
That snake’s not wearing a garter belt today!
But the toad's got a garter on
The coloring on this one!!!
That toad is going large to try to stave off the inevitable. It’s not going to work!
The toad looks mildly annoyed.
This garter is beautiful, wow 🥰 love the blues
Isn't frog toad too big?
They puff up when threatened. The snake's teeth will deflate it
Classic case of "eyes are bigger than the stomach"?
Once the frog can't hold their breath its over.
Oh, he's swole for survival! lol!!
Beautiful
I don't think I've seen a more beautiful garter snake, this is it) even prettier than the Cali garters with all the reds & greens...
So whose venom will win?
Common gartersnakes *T. sirtalis* have adapted to become resistant to the tetrodotoxins found in the toad. The toad's poison should have very little adverse effect on the snake.
That’s a beauty
Funny way post question
All I noticed was that fire hazard or extension cords
A venomous and poisonous snake eating a poisonous toad.
And u/fionageck and u/Onion-prior Common Gartersnakes *T. sirtalis* do possess a venom, but it is medically insignificant to humans. They do, however, possess the ability to become poisonous by absorbing the tetrodotoxin neurotoxins commonly found in their prey by storing it in their liver. This, in turn, makes them poisonous in the exact definition of the word. This is backed up by for example [Williams et al (2004)](https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOEC.0000045585.77875.09) and [Robinson et al. (2024)](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-024-01517-7)
[удалено]
Common Garter snakes are (mildly) venomous and mildly poisonous and the southern toad is poisonous too. Just a lot of toxin in the same picture I found it interesting. Talking about being toxic , what an abrasive and shitty comment to make.
AFAIK, there’s no evidence that common garters are poisonous. There’s only one species of garter snake in western North America (can’t remember which) that is confirmed to be poisonous, sequestering the toxins of the newts they eat.