There is an additional light tannish stripe on each side of the body occupying the 2nd and 3rd dorsal scale rows above the belly. The belly is uniform whitish-green. The scales of the upper lip are outlined with black markings. The scales are keeled , and there are 19 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round.
Juveniles are similar to that of adults.
It occurs throughout Florida, excluding the keys and the Gulf coast from eastern Wakulla Co. in the panhandle south to Hernando Co. in the central peninsula. Outside of Florida, it is found throughout the eastern US from southern Texas north into Canada and east to the Atlantic Ocean. Commonly found in pinelands, hardwood hammocks, cypress strands, prairies, marshes, and melaleuca stands. The eastern garter snake is terrestrial and active during the day. It is frequently found along the banks of canals and ditches, and around houses in residential areas.