[2] The other three subspecies are the northern (T. s. septentrionalis), southern (T. s. sackenii), and bluestripe (T. s. nitae) ribbon snakes.

The labial scales around the mouth of the snake are unmarked and uniformly bright yellow or white.

The eastern ribbon snake has a much thinner body than a common garter snake, its tail makes up about one-third of its body length, it has stripes on the third and fourth scale rows and it has pure white lips, and a mark of white color in front of its eyes.

The common ribbon snake is typically found in the southeastern United States, usually in wetlands and near the edges of ponds and streams.

[7][failed verification] Reproduction in eastern ribbon snakes takes place after they emerge from hibernation in the spring, in April or May.

Mating occasionally takes place in the fall, but the female will delay fertilization and development until the next spring.

Ribbon snakes rarely bite when handled, but they do produce a foul musk from their anal glands when they feel threatened.