garter snake

Any of more than a dozen species of snakes (genus Thamnophis, family Colubridae) with a striped pattern that resembles a garter: usually one or three longitudinal yellow or red stripes, with checkered blotches between. Forms in which the stripes are obscure or lacking are called grass snakes. Found in gardens and vacant lots, garters are among the most common snakes from Canada to Central America. They are small (usually less than 24 in., or 60 cm, long) and harmless, though some will strike if provoked. They eat insects, earthworms, and amphibians.

Learn more about garter snake with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Garter can refer to:

• Garter (stockings), an item of clothing used to hold up stockings
• Order of the Garter, a senior British order of chivalry

*Ladies of the Garter (1358-1488), female members of the mediaeval Order of the Garter

*List of Knights and Ladies of the Garter, knights and ladies of the Garter from 1348

*Garter Principal King of Arms, an officer of the Order of the Garter

• Garter snake