Granite Checkered Garter

The Granite Checkered Garter Snake is like the rebellious cousin of the regular checkered garter snake (Thamnophis marcianus). This bad boy (or girl) rocks a seriously unique coloration and pattern that'll make your jaw drop.

While the regular checkered garter snake is usually a ho-hum green with a basic black checkerboard pattern, the granite variant is where shit gets real. It's got a pale gray background that sets the stage for a flurry of small dash-like patterns all over its sleek body. Talk about snake fashion, am I right?

These cool creatures call the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America their stomping grounds. And size-wise, they're no joke either. These bad boys (and girls) can grow up to a whopping 42 inches (that's 107 cm for you metric folks), although they generally hang out in the more modest range of 18 to 24 inches. Still, that's not too shabby!

Now, the best part. Unlike some venomous troublemakers out there, the checkered garter snake, including the granite variant, is as harmless as a fluffy kitten. So, feel free to appreciate their groovy coloration and pattern without worrying about getting a nasty snakebite. It's all love, baby.