Eastern Ribbon Snake

Northern ribbon snake.

Image credit:Jeffie McNeil; MTRI

 

Scientific name:Thamnophis saurita

Mi’kmaq Translation: Translation Unknown

French Translation: Couleuvre mince de l’Est

Gaelic Translation: Nathair-ribein tuath

Physical Description

Visually, ribbon snakes resemble garter snakes but are smaller and slenderer. They are dark brown or black in colour, and have three yellow stripes. One stripe goes down the back (dorsal) and one on each side (lateral). There is a white crescent in front of the eye, a white chin, a whitish yellow belly and rust-coloured sides. 

Size:

Young ribbon snakes measure 16 – 24cm long

Adult males measure 28 – 40cm long

Adult females measure 29 – 50cm long

Range and Distribution

Ribbon snakes have two separated populations in Canada. The larger population is in southern Ontario and a small portion of Quebec, and the second, smaller population in Nova Scotia. They have a limited range and population in Nova Scotia and are found mainly in the regions of Queens County and Lunenburg County.

Habitat

These semi-aquatic snakes live in wetlands, and boggy or grassy places along the shorelines of lakes and rivers. They also rely on forested areas for overwintering and birthing sites. Overwintering is often communal and occurs below the frost line in mammal burrows, rock crevices and muskrat lodges.

Diet

They predate primarily on amphibians, mainly frogs, as well as small fish and insects.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Ribbon snakes breed in the spring after hibernation. Females give live birth of up to 15 babies in late summer. Juveniles reach maturity in two to three years. Longevity is uncertain but estimated to be approximately 11 years.

Status

NSESA: Threatened (Atlantic Population)

COSEWIC: Threatened (Atlantic Population)

Threats

Road mortality and the loss of wetland habitat pose significant threats to the ribbon snake population. Additionally, severe impacts from pollution and agricultural runoff are causing declines in amphibian populations, which is a key food source for the ribbon snake.