Hybridization Between Two Species of Garter Snakes

"Hybridization Between Two Species of Garter Snakes" by Hobart M. Smith is a scientific publication produced in the mid-20th century, specifically around the 1940s. This document discusses the genetic and morphological characteristics of two garter snake species: "Thamnophis radix" and "T. marciana", primarily within the context of southern Kansas. The focus of the book is on the hybridization between these two distinct species and the implications of their physical variations. In this publication, Smith details the distinguishing features of the two snake species, including their coloration and the structure of their lateral and dorsal stripes. He notes that while the two species maintain their distinct characteristics in various localities, there is a noticeable trend in "radix" individuals to exhibit traits more similar to those of "marciana". The author presents evidence of potential hybrids, exemplified by a particular specimen that displays intermediate characteristics between the two species. By examining various specimens and their attributes, Smith concludes that while hybridization occurs, the species typically retain their distinct identities in overlapping ranges. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Hobart Muir Smith, born Frederick William Stouffer, was an American herpetologist. He is credited with describing more than 100 new species of American reptiles and amphibians. In addition, he has been honored by having at least six species named after him, including the southwestern blackhead snake, Smith's earth snake, Smith's arboreal alligator lizard, Hobart's anadia, Hobart Smith's anole, and Smith's rose-bellied lizard. At 100 years of age, Smith continued to be an active and productive herpetologist. Although he published on a wide range of herpetological subjects, his main focus throughout his career was on the amphibians and reptiles of Mexico, including taxonomy, bibliographies, and history. Having published more than 1,600 manuscripts, he surpassed all contemporaries and remains the most published herpetologist of all time.