Adult, 7,500′, Tamaulipas, Mexico
MEXICO HIGHLAND GARTER SNAKE
Thamnophis pulchrilatus – Cope 1885
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TAXONOMY:
This species was long confused with Thamnophis cyrtopsis, a species with which it shares a striking resemblance (and is clearly closely allied to).
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PERSONAL NOTES:
My experiences with this species are limited. In August, 2004 I found two large adult snakes (one pictured above) 1/4 mile apart on a dirt road near Miquihuana, Tamaulipas on the lower slopes (7500′) of Cerro Pena Nevada. It was mid-day with partly cloudy skies, and the snakes were very easily spooked once we set foot out of the vehicle we were travelling in. The habitat was low scrubby growth, just below the pine/oak zone.
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