The skin between scales along the sides may be red or orange. The belly is usually yellowishgreen with two distinct rows of black spots. Garter snakes often are found under boards, rocks or other objects in city lots, near farm buildings, in meadows or along streams. Like many kinds of harmless snakes, garter snakes will bite to defend themselves. They also will secrete a fowlsmelling musk from glands at the base of the tail when first captured.
Food consists of earthworms, frogs, toads, salamanders, minnows and even small mice.
0ccurs throughout the eastern half of the state. The redsided garter snakea subspecieslives in the western half of Missouri. The common name is derived from the light areas along the snake's back which may be shaped like diamonds. Overall color may be light brown or dull yellow with dark brown markings on the sides and back. Two rows of dark brown, halfmoons border the yellow belly.