Identification: Body fairly long and robust, head large and distinct from neck. Colour grey, black, dark brown or light brown. This yellow to orange dorsal stripe runs the length of the body, usually wavy but can be straight. Thinner yellow lines along sides of the body. Dark blotches run between the stripes giving the dorsal line its wavy appearance. Some colour variation according to region. Body scutes strongly keeled with 21 rows at mid-body.

Habits: T. elegans is usually found close to water, fresh and/or marine. It is usually found in open areas such as meadows and estuaries.

Feeding: Very varied diet including slugs, small mammals, marine and fresh water fish, also amphibians, earthworms, leeches, birds, and other snakes.

Breeding: Live-bearing, with one to 17 young born mid to late summer.

References: Gregory, Patrick T. and Campbell, R. Wayne. 1996. The Reptiles of British Columbia. Royal British Columbia Museum Handbook. Victoria, B.C.

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