Garter Snake Size Explained & Compared To Other

Last Updated on March 16, 2023 by Amin Tawar

Garter Snake Length

Garter Snake Size
Garter Snake Size Explained & Compared To Other

Garter snakes are a type of common snake found in North America, they are known as Thamnophis Sirtalis. They are called garter snakes due to their resemblance to the garter belt worn in the past. 

These snakes are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, fields, wetlands, and even suburban areas. They are known for being active during the day and are most often seen basking in the sun or swimming in the water.

If we look at their size, Garter snakes are typically small to medium-sized snakes, with males and females having a length range of 60-100 cm. 

On average, males have a length of 2 feet (60 cm), while females have an average length of 3 feet (90 cm). However, some individuals can grow larger and reach a maximum length of 137 cm (54 in). 

Garter Snake LengthMeter Feet
Average length Male: 0.6 m
Female: 0.9 m 
Male: 2 ft
Female: 3 ft
Maximum length 1.37 m4.4 ft

Garter Snake Weight

Garter snakes are some of the most common and widespread snakes in North America. They are also one of the smallest snakes out there. 

Despite their small size, garter snakes are voracious predators and will eat almost anything they can catch, including insects, earthworms, leeches, small mammals, and amphibians. They are also known to be cannibalistic and will eat other garter snakes if given the opportunity.

Female adult garter snakes typically weigh about 249 g (8.8 oz), while male ones usually weigh about 150 g (5.3 oz). 

Additionally, the weight of a garter snake can vary depending on the species and the individual snake. For example, the eastern garter snake, which is a subspecies of the common garter snake, can weigh up to 12 ounces (340 grams).

Garter snake WeightGrams Ounce 
Average weight Male: 150 g
Female: 249 g 
Male: 5.3 oz
Female: 8.8 oz
Maximum Weight 340 g12 oz

Garter Snake Eggs Size

Garter snakes are oviparous, which means that they lay eggs. The size of garter snake eggs can vary depending on the species and the size of the individual female snake. 

On average, garter snake eggs are about the size of a jellybean and measure around 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter. 

However, some species of garter snake, such as the western terrestrial garter snake, can lay eggs that are as large as 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) in diameter. 1

Garter Snake Teeth Size

Garter snakes, like most snakes, have small, needle-like teeth that are used for grasping and holding onto their prey. 

Garter snakes have several rows of teeth on the upper and lower jaws, which allows them to grab and hold onto their prey tightly. The teeth are also curved backward, which helps to prevent the prey from escaping once it has been bitten.

The size of garter snake teeth can vary depending on the species and the size of the individual snake. On average, garter snake teeth are about 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) long, but they can be as small as 0.03 inches (0.8 mm) in some species.

Garter Snake Baby Size

Garter snakes are born fully formed and independent from the moment they hatch, meaning they are able to hunt for food and defend themselves from predators on their own. 

The size of baby garter snakes can vary depending on the species and the size of the individual female snake. 

On average, baby garter snakes are about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) long and weigh around 1 ounce (28 grams). However, some species of garter snake can be as small as 4 inches (10 cm) long when they are born.

Moreover, the size of the baby garter snake is not an indicator of the size it will reach as an adult. Some species of garter snake can grow to be 3 feet (0.9 m) long, while others may only reach 18 inches (46 cm) in length. The size of the adult snake is determined by a combination of genetics, diet, and living conditions.

Garter Snake Size Vs Copperhead Size Comparison

Garter snakes and copperheads are two different species of snakes that are found in different regions of North America. Garter snakes are found throughout most of North America, while copperheads are primarily found in the eastern and central United States.

In terms of size, garter snakes are generally a little bit bigger than copperheads. Adult garter snakes typically grow to be 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) long and weigh  249 g – 150 g (5.3 oz – 8.8 oz), while adult copperheads can grow to be 74 to 76 cm (29 to 30 in) long and weigh 4 to 12 ounces. However, size can also vary depending on the specific subspecies of garter snake and copperhead.

Animal type  Height Weight 
Garter snake 2 feet – 3 feet (60 cm – 90 cm)249 g – 150 g (5.3 oz – 8.8 oz)
Copperhead 74 to 76 cm (29 to 30 in)4 to 12 ounces

Garter Snake Size Vs Rattlesnake Size Comparison

One of the main differences between garter snakes and rattlesnakes is their size. In terms of size, garter snakes are generally smaller than rattlesnakes. Adult garter snakes typically grow to be 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) long, while adult rattlesnakes can grow to be 8 ft (2.4 m) long. 

However, size can also vary depending on the specific subspecies of garter snake and rattlesnake.

Animal type  Height Weight 
Garter snake 2 feet – 3 feet (60 cm – 90 cm)249 g – 150 g (5.3 oz – 8.8 oz)
Rattlesnake Up to 8 ft (2.4 m)1.23 to 2.7 kg (3 to 6 lb)

Garter Snake Vs Corn Snake Size Comparison

Lastly, when it comes to size, garter snakes and corn snakes are relatively similar, with both typically growing to be around 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) long as adults. However, there are some variations in size depending on the specific subspecies of garter snakes and corn snakes.

For instance, the Garter snake is about 2 feet – 3 feet (60 cm – 90 cm) in length and 249 g – 150 g (5.3 oz – 8.8 oz) in weight. On the other hand, the corn snake is about 24 to 72 inches (61 to 182 cm being the highest) in length and 1 to 3 pounds (454 to 1361 grams) in weight. 

Animal type  Height Weight 
Garter snake 2 feet – 3 feet (60 cm – 90 cm)249 g – 150 g (5.3 oz – 8.8 oz)
Corn snake 24 to 72 inches (61 to 182 centimeters) 1 to 3 pounds (454 to 1361 grams)

Conclusion

And that was everything you need to know about the size of Garter Snake. I hope this article was informative enough and your queries were answered.

Thank You For Reading!

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