Brown Snake
Storeria dekayi • Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Reptilia, Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: S. dekayi
Eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada through the eastern United States down into Mexico and parts of Central America.
Look up Brown Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Reptilia, Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: S. dekayi
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, as it has a wide distribution and tolerates habitat modification well.
Physical Description
Brownish or grayish body with a lighter central dorsal stripe bordered by small, dark spots or dashes. The head is relatively distinct from the neck, displaying dark markings on the temporal region and near the back of the head. Scales are typically keeled.
Size & Dimensions
Specimens typically range from 20 to 38 cm (8 to 15 inches) in total length, with a maximum recorded length around 52 cm.
Habitat
Highly adaptable, found in moist woodlands, fields, marshes, meadows, and frequently in suburban areas and urban gardens under logs, rocks, or debris, from sea level up to moderate elevations.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized feeder focusing primarily on soft-bodied invertebrates, especially earthworms, slugs, and snails, using an active foraging strategy.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young), producing litters typically ranging from 3 to 20+ young during the late summer months.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with young garter snakes (Thamnophis spp.) or red-bellied snakes (Storeria occipitomaculata), but distinguished by specific dorsal patterns and head markings.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, as it has a wide distribution and tolerates habitat modification well.
Cultural Significance
Acts as a beneficial backyard predator by helping control populations of garden pests such as slugs and snails.
Notable Features
Often found close to human habitations, making it one of the most commonly encountered small snakes in suburban neighborhoods within its range.