frequently asked q u e s t i o n s critter f i e l d   g u i d e what is it? g u e s s   g a m e ask jim y o u r   q u e s t i o n s critter care i n s t r u c t i o n s links f o r   m o r e   i n f o Critterguy / Critter Field Guide / Snakes / Butler's garter snake Critter Field Guide: Snakes of Michigan Butler's garter snake Thamnophis butleri Butler's garter snake Description A small black, brown, or olive snake with three distinct yellow stripes down the back and a yellowish belly. Some specimens have dark spots between the stripes. The dark head is very small. Adult Length: 15 to 27 inches. Habitat and Habits Butler's Garter Snakes prefer moist meadows, marshes, and lake edges. They can be common in urban vacant lots where there are objects to hide under and lots of earthworms, a favorite food. When frightened, these snakes often wriggle rapidly back and forth with little forward motion. Reproduction Females produce litters of 4 to 19 babies in mid summer. Range and Status Locally common in the eastern and southern Lower Peninsula. Acknowledgement James Harding MSU Museum Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 (517) 353-7978 hardingj@msu.edu © Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved.