Statewide, but hybridizes with the Texas brown snake in the western part of Missouri. This long, slender snake is a variety of garter snake. Two wide, black stripes border a yellow or orange stripe down its back, and often there is a yellow or orange spot on its head. The belly is greenish. This species lives in wooded areas near water and may be seen along the banks ofStreams or the edge of ponds.
Ribbon snakes eat small frogs and, sometimes, minnows.
Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Of the five kinds of garter snakes in Missouri, the eastern garter snake is the most common. Dark areas between the light stripes may be spots instead of stripes. 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.