Maritime Gartersnake

Thamnophis sirtalis pallidulus

Thamnophis sirtalis pallidulus (Maritime Gartersnake) is a subspecies of the widespread Thamnophis sirtalis (Common Gartersnake). This subspecies is native to extreme northeast USA (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont) and to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and much of the southern part of Québec. To the south and east its range meets the range of Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis (Eastern Gartersnake). There is some disagreement about whether T. s. pallidulus is a valid subspecies, since T. s. sirtalis is already highly variable in appearance. But other subspecies are also questionable. Some experts expect the snakes currently grouped as "Thamnophis sirtalis" to be reconfigured significantly after further study.