DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Ontario and Quebec in Canada, south to Florida and the Gulf Coast, and west into parts of Texas, Nebraska, and Kansas.
Look up DeKay's Brownsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to its very wide distribution, high tolerance for human-altered habitats, and stable overall population trends.
Physical Description
Uniform brown, grayish-brown, or reddish-brown dorsal coloration, sometimes featuring a light vertebral stripe bordered by small dark spots or flecks. The head is distinct from the neck with dark markings near the temples. Scales are keeled, and the body is relatively slender with a rounded cross-section.
Size & Dimensions
This pictured specimen appears to be a juvenile or small adult, roughly 20-25 cm in length. Adults typically range from 23 to 33 cm, with a maximum recorded length of around 50 cm.
Habitat
Highly adaptable, found in moist woodlands, fields, marshes, meadows, and heavily urbanized areas such as city parks and suburban gardens. Prefers microhabitats with abundant cover like leaf litter, rocks, logs, and artificial debris.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized feeder focusing primarily on soft-bodied invertebrates, predominantly slugs, earthworms, snails, and occasionally small insects. Hunts actively in cover using chemical cues.
Reproduction
Viviparous (giving live birth). Mating occurs in the spring after emerging from brumation, and females typically give birth to litters ranging from 3 to 30 young in late summer.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with the Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) and juvenile Garter Snakes (Thamnophis spp.). Can be distinguished by lack of distinct yellow lateral stripes found on garter snakes and specific head scale arrangements.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to its very wide distribution, high tolerance for human-altered habitats, and stable overall population trends.
Cultural Significance
Provides valuable ecological services by controlling garden pest populations, specifically slugs and snails that damage vegetation. Frequently encountered by gardeners due to its urban tolerance.
Notable Features
Exhibits specialized jaw adaptations designed for extracting snails and slugs from their shells. Highly secretive and spends the majority of its life hidden beneath cover objects.