[2][3] T. butleri is found in northwestern Ohio, northeastern Indiana, the eastern portion of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, and the adjacent extreme southern tip of Ontario, Canada.

The background color can range from olive-brown to black, and it may also be possible to discern two rows of dark spots between the side and back stripes.

Butler's garter snake inhabits moist, grassy, open canopy areas, such as meadows, wet prairies, marshes, savannas, and grasslands.

Like Kirtland's snake, it may also be found in grassy vacant lots in suburban and residential areas.

Butler's garter snake is a relatively short-lived species, and it reaches sexual maturity in its second spring.