DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Extensive range across North America, from Southern Canada through the Eastern and Central United States, and south into Mexico and parts of Central America.
Look up DeKay's Brownsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous (aglyphous)
Danger Level
Harmless; they are small, secretive, and lack venom or large teeth. They pose no threat to humans or pets.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN); widespread and common, even in disturbed habitats. Main threats include habitat fragmentation and road mortality.
Physical Description
Small, slender snake with keeled scales. Coloration is typically brown to grayish-brown with two parallel rows of dark spots along a lighter mid-dorsal stripe. The head is relatively small with large eyes and round pupils. Dark markings are usually present behind the eyes and on the neck.
Size & Dimensions
Typical adult length ranges from 23 to 33 cm (9 to 13 inches), with a maximum recorded length of about 50 cm (20 inches). The specimen in the image appears to be a mature adult.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in woodlands, grasslands, and marshes, but thrives in suburban and urban environments. Often found under debris, in gardens, or near building foundations.
Behavior & Temperament
Secretive and docile. Primary defense is hiding or flattening the body to look larger. They are primarily diurnal or crepuscular, though they may become more nocturnal in hot weather. They may release a mild musk if handled.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized diet consisting primarily of soft-bodied invertebrates like slugs, earthworms, and snails. They utilize their specialized teeth to pull snails out of their shells.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Typically produces 5 to 25 young per litter in late summer or early autumn.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Often confused with the Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) or Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata). Distinguished from garter snakes by the lack of distinct side stripes and from red-bellied snakes by the lack of a bright red venter.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widespread and common, even in disturbed habitats. Main threats include habitat fragmentation and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Ecologically beneficial as they provide natural pest control in gardens by consuming slugs. They are one of the few snake species that coexist successfully with human urbanization.
Notable Features
Remarkable ability to inhabit densely populated urban areas. They possess specialized jaw adaptations for extracting snails from their shells, a unique evolutionary trait within their genus.