Henry S. (Henry Sheldon) Fitch
Occurrence of the Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis, in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains
"Occurrence of the Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis, in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains" by Henry S. Fitch and T. Paul Maslin is a scientific publication produced in the early 1960s. This informative document explores the geographic distribution and variations of the common garter snake, which boasts the most extensive range of any North American reptile, covering vast areas from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The book likely emphasizes the differences among subspecies of the garter snake, particularly focusing on those found in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. The publication provides in-depth taxonomic history and ecological observations regarding the garter snake's subspecies, particularly "Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis" and "Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi". The authors meticulously outline the range of these subspecies, their defining characteristics, and their adaptations to diverse habitats. Moreover, the work discusses the challenges in accurately mapping the occurrences of these snakes due to factors such as misidentification and habitat constraints in the Rocky Mountain and Great Basin regions. With this comprehensive examination, Fitch and Maslin aim to clarify the distinctions between subspecies and enhance understanding of the ecology of the common garter snake in these unique ecosystems.