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 (Ontario, Quebec) through the eastern and central United States, and southward into Mexico and Central America as far as Honduras.
Look up DeKay's Brownsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous (aglyphous)
Danger Level
Harmless; these snakes are non-aggressive and lack venom or large teeth capable of harming humans or pets.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Conservation
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. It is one of the most common and resilient snake species in North America, though local populations can be affected by heavy pesticide use which reduces prey.
Physical Description
Small, slender snake typically brown to grayish-brown. Features two parallel rows of small dark spots bordering a lighter central dorsal stripe. The head is relatively small with large eyes and round pupils; typically has dark temporal blotches behind the eyes. Scales are keeled.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen pictured appears to be an adult, approximately 25-30 cm in length. Typical adult size ranges from 23 to 33 cm, with a maximum recorded length of about 49 cm.
Habitat
Highly adaptable generalist found in forests, grasslands, and marshes. Notably common in urban and suburban environments, thriving in gardens, parks, and vacant lots under debris or leaf litter.
Behavior & Temperament
Secretive and docile. Primary defense is crypsis (camouflage) or hiding under cover. If handled, they may flatten their bodies to appear larger or release a mild musk from the cloaca, but they rarely bite. Largely diurnal or crepuscular depending on temperature.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized diet consisting primarily of slugs, snails, and earthworms. They utilize specialized jaw morphology to extract snails from their shells. They are active foragers.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Typically produces a litter of 5 to 25 young during late summer (July-September). No maternal care is provided after birth.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Often confused with the Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata), which has a bright red underside, or juvenile Garter Snakes (Thamnophis ssp.), which typically have more prominent longitudinal stripes and lack the double row of dorsal spots.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. It is one of the most common and resilient snake species in North America, though local populations can be affected by heavy pesticide use which reduces prey.
Cultural Significance
Ecologically vital as a natural pest control agent in residential gardens, keeping populations of slugs and snails in check. Often one of the first snakes encountered by children due to its urban prevalence.
Notable Features
Remarkable for its ability to thrive in densely populated human environments. It possesses specialized teeth and jaw ligaments that allow it to grip the soft bodies of snails and pull them out of their shells.