Which dense plants are frequently noted components of the preferred terrestrial structure for T. s. tetrataenia cover?

Answer

Gorse and poison oak

While the San Francisco garter snake utilizes aquatic areas for breeding and feeding, it spends the majority of its time on land utilizing dense terrestrial cover for concealment from predators, primarily raptors, and for thermoregulation. The preferred structure for this concealment is often provided by dense thickets of vegetation. Sources frequently identify both native and non-native species fulfilling this role, with Gorse and poison oak specifically mentioned as common components that offer excellent hiding places. It is crucial to note that the functional attribute desired is the structural density of the cover, regardless of whether the plants are native or pose potential hazards, like poison oak, to human surveyors.

Which dense plants are frequently noted components of the preferred terrestrial structure for *T. s. tetrataenia* cover?

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?

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