DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Venomous Status
Non-venomous (Aglyphous)
Danger Level
Harmless; these snakes are not a threat to humans or pets. They rarely bite and possess no venom.
Geographic Range
Extends across much of North America from southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec) through the eastern half of the United States, and south into Mexico and Central America as far as Honduras.
Conservation Status
IUCN Least Concern. Faces threats from habitat fragmentation and pesticide use affecting prey sources, but remains common in urban areas.
Physical Description
Small, slender body with keeled scales. Coloration is typically light brown to gray with a pale mid-dorsal stripe bordered by two rows of dark spots. The head is small with dark markings behind the eyes and a dark vertical bar on the side of the head. Pupils are round.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen in image is likely an adult around 9-12 inches. Typical adult range is 9-13 inches (23-33 cm), with record lengths reaching approximately 19 inches (49 cm).
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands, but frequently occurs in suburban and urban environments. Often found under debris, leaf litter, and in gardens at elevations from sea level to over 1400m.
Behavior & Temperament
Secretive and docile. Primary defensive strategy is remaining still or flattening the body to appear larger. May release a foul-smelling musk if handled. Diurnal in spring/fall and often nocturnal during hot summer months.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized feeder primarily consuming soft-bodied invertebrates like earthworms, slugs, and snails. They forage actively among leaf litter.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Mating occurs in spring; litters typically range from 5 to 25 neonates born in late summer.
Venom Profile
Venom Type
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
AI-generated — see a qualified source if acting on this. For any snakebite, call emergency services immediately.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with Red-bellied Snakes (Storeria occipitomaculata), which usually have bright red/orange bellies, or Garter Snakes (Thamnophis ssp.), which are generally larger with more distinct longitudinal striping.
Conservation Status
IUCN Least Concern. Faces threats from habitat fragmentation and pesticide use affecting prey sources, but remains common in urban areas.
Cultural Significance
Ecologically vital for natural pest control in gardens by managing slug and snail populations. Often the first wild snake encountered by children in urban environments.
Notable Features
Features specialized teeth and jaw mechanics that allow them to extract snails from their shells. They are one of the most successful snake species in human-dominated landscapes.