The eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) is the most populous snake species in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. This snake features three strips running the length of its body. Eastern garter snakes have two yellow stripes on both sides of their bodies, while a white stripe stretches from nose to tail on the dorsal region. Sometimes the two side stripes have a greenish or bluish coloration. The snake's dorsal strip is thinner than the side stripes. Eastern garter snakes live in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests and plains.
The only counties where plains garter snakes (Thamnophis radix) are seen are in Marion and Wyandot Counties, located in the north central region of the state. This snake has three solid yellow stripes on its body. Two of the stripes are on the side of the body, while the third is on the dorsal region of the snake. On the snake's third and fourth row of scales, the plains garter snake has lateral stripes; however, the lateral stripes are not connected to each other. One of the most prominent Ohio populations of plains garter snakes is the Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area.
Also known simply as garden snakes, Butler's garter snake is widely distributed throughout northwest and north central Ohio. This snake features a thick dorsal stripe, which runs from the nose of the snake to the tip of its tail. The Butler's garter snake also has orange and yellow stripes on the third row its scales; the stripes overlap into the snake's second and fourth row of scales. The scientific name for Butler's garter snake is Thamnophis butleri. This garter snake prefers plains areas and semi-aquatic habitats.
The queen snake (Regina septemvittata) is a nonvenomous species and belongs to the colubrid family of snakes. This snake species has a thick yellow stripe on its right and left sides; the stripes run from the snake's head to tail. A queen snake's belly has two brown stripes on the sides, surrounding the belly's yellow scales. The dorsal area of the queen snake has dark brown scales. In Ohio, these snakes are found in aquatic habitats -- lakes and streams -- near their primary dietary item, crayfish.