Northern Mexican Gartersnake
Thamnophis eques megalops
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- T. e. megalops – Yavapai Co, AZ – photo by Danny Archibald
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- T. e. megalops – Yavapai Co, AZ – photo by Danny Archibald
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- T. e. megalops – Map by Tom Lott, SWCHR
DISTRIBUTION: In our region, Thamnophis e. megalops occurs in isolated populations in central and southeastern Arizona and in southwestern New Mexico.
LEGAL STATUS: Thamnophis eques megalops is listed as an Endangered Species by the State of New Mexico and as a Protected species by the State of Arizona. It is currently a candidate for federal protection by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
MEANING OF SCIENTIFIC NAME: Thamnophis eques megalops (Kennicott – 1860)
Genus: Thamnophis, Greek – thamnos = shrub or bush + ophis = snake, serpent
Species: eques, Latin = horseman, knight
Subspecies: megalops, Latin – megas = great + ops = eyes
Ref. Ellen Beltz 2006
Ref. E. Jaeger 1962