What is the primary, almost exclusive, food source requiring the aquatic habitats of *T. s. tetrataenia*?
Answer
California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii)
The survival strategy of the San Francisco garter snake is intricately tied to the presence of specific prey within its aquatic environment. The species demonstrates a strong dependency on the California red-legged frog, designated scientifically as *Rana draytonii*. These frogs serve as the snake's primary, almost exclusive, food source within the slow-moving or still water bodies that the snakes favor, such as ponds, marshes, and associated riparian zones. Consequently, the conservation success for the snake is intrinsically linked to the health of the red-legged frog populations, making the protection of the frog's habitat a prerequisite for securing suitable snake habitat.
Related Questions
To which California counties is the known distribution of the San Francisco garter snake restricted?What is the primary, almost exclusive, food source requiring the aquatic habitats of *T. s. tetrataenia*?Which dense plants are frequently noted components of the preferred terrestrial structure for *T. s. tetrataenia* cover?What functional attribute of terrestrial vegetation is considered key for the San Francisco garter snake's habitat structure?What is the primary purpose of the U.S. ESA designation of critical habitat for this snake?What analytical point is highlighted regarding the quality of habitat patches in fragmented environments?What stewardship activity requires collaboration with adjacent landowners near critical habitat markers?Which water body types are strongly associated with the life cycle needs of *Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia*?How do the habitat requirements of *T. s. tetrataenia* compare to widespread garter snakes?What distinguishes the designation of critical habitat from merely identifying occupied habitat?