Common Name
red-sided garter snake

Iowa Range
throughout Iowa

Habitat
variety of habitats, including prairie swales, along ditches, and following watercourses

Description
The red-sided garter snake can be distinguished from other garter snakes in its range by the presence of red or orange bars. The red is usually confined to the area of skin between the scales. Ground color varies from olive, brown, or black. Lateral stripes occur on rows two and three. These stripes can range from yellow to bluish in color. The scales are keeled and there is a single anal plate.