two-striped garter snake
two-striped garter snake Lexical Profile
• noun
North American A highly aquatic species of garter snake (Thamnophis hammondii) native to the coastal regions of southern California and Baja California, distinguished by the absence of a central dorsal stripe and the presence of two distinct pale stripes along its sides.
"While surveying the rocky stream beds of southern California, the herpetologist documented a two-striped garter snake foraging for small fish and amphibians in the shallow water."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Named for its distinct physical appearance; unlike most garter snakes, this species lacks a mid-dorsal stripe, instead featuring only two pale lateral stripes. The term 'garter snake' itself historically references the resemblance of their longitudinal stripes to the garters once worn by men to hold up stockings.