DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Venomous Status
Non-venomous; aglyphous (lacks specialized fangs).
Danger Level
Harmless. These snakes are physically incapable of causing significant injury to humans or pets. They rarely even attempt to bite, usually relying on musk or flattening their bodies for defense.
Geographic Range
Extensive range across 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 status: Least Concern. Populations are stable and they thrive in human-altered landscapes, though they are frequent victims of 'indiscriminate killing' due to confusion with venomous species.
Physical Description
Small, slender snake typically brown to grayish-brown. It features two parallel rows of dark spots bordering a lighter dorsal stripe. The head is relatively small with large eyes and round pupils. Scales are heavily keeled. A distinctive dark mark is usually present beneath each eye and on the sides of the neck.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen in image is a juvenile, likely 3-5 inches. Adults typically range from 9 to 13 inches (23-33 cm), with a record maximum of around 19 inches (49 cm).
Habitat
Highly adaptable generalist found in moist habitats, including forests, grasslands, and marshes. They are famously successful in urban and suburban areas, often found under debris, flower pots, or in gardens. They are primarily fossorial or secretive, staying under leaf litter or flat rocks.
Behavior & Temperament
Secretive and docile. Primarily nocturnal or crepuscular in hot weather, but diurnal in cooler spring/autumn months. When threatened, they may flatten their bodies to appear larger and release a foul-smelling musk from their cloaca.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized diet consisting primarily of slugs, snails, and earthworms. They possess specialized teeth and jaw adaptations to extract snails from their shells. They are active foragers.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Typical litter size is 3 to 40 young, born in late summer (July-September). Sex cannot be determined from this photograph as it requires examination of tail length/taper or physical probing.
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
Often confused with the Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata), which has a bright red underside. Also frequently mistaken for juvenile Garter snakes (Thamnophis), though Brownsnakes lack the distinct side stripes. In some regions, they are wrongly feared as 'baby copperheads' despite lacking the hourglass pattern and heat pits.
Conservation Status
IUCN status: Least Concern. Populations are stable and they thrive in human-altered landscapes, though they are frequent victims of 'indiscriminate killing' due to confusion with venomous species.
Cultural Significance
Ecologically vital for controlling garden pests like slugs and snails. They are often the first or only 'wild' snake encounter for people living in urban environments.
Notable Features
Ability to thrive in densely populated cities is a key adaptation. Their specialized diet for soft-bodied mollusks makes them one of the most beneficial snakes for backyard gardeners.
Notes
Is this a boy or girl