Ambassador since 2011
Thamnophis marcianus
- Gertrude (aka Gertie) looks very similar to the garter snakes seen throughout northern Illinois, but checkered garters actually are indigenous to the southwestern United States. She was bred in captivity for use in Hickory Knolls’ education programs.
- Even though she is not native to this region, she shares many traits with our local species. She has a prominent gold strip down her back and her overall pattern resembles that of the garters worn by men back in the days before socks had elastic tops.
- Garter snakes are ovoviviparous, meaning feritlized eggs hatch within the bodies of females, so babies are born live. Gertrude occasionally produces clutches of orange-colored unfertilized eggs that are called ‘slugs’ or ‘jelly beans.’
- Gertrude’s diet includes earthworms, fish and small rodents, all of which are consumed live. Garter snakes do not constrict to subdue their prey, but can secrete toxins that may help quell movement and aid in swallowing.