Redbelly Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: S. occipitomaculata
Widely distributed throughout eastern North America, ranging from southern Canada down to Florida, and westward to the Great Plains.
Look up Redbelly Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: S. occipitomaculata
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, as it is widespread and relatively common across its range, though local populations can be affected by habitat destruction.
Physical Description
Small, slender snake with reddish-brown to grayish dorsal coloration, sometimes featuring faint lighter stripes down the back. The head is distinct from the neck, and the belly typically shows a bright red or orange coloration.
Size & Dimensions
Typically reaches an adult length of 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches), with a maximum recorded length of around 40 cm. The specimen in the image appears to be a small juvenile or adult curled tightly.
Habitat
Found in damp woodlands, forest edges, meadows, and sometimes suburban areas. Prefers microhabitats under logs, rocks, leaf litter, and debris near moisture sources.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized feeder focusing primarily on soft-bodied invertebrates, especially slugs, earthworms, and snails, utilizing an active foraging strategy.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Mating occurs in spring, and females give birth to litters averaging 1 to 20 young in late summer.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, as it is widespread and relatively common across its range, though local populations can be affected by habitat destruction.
Cultural Significance
Acts as an important natural predator of garden pests such as slugs and snails, playing a beneficial role in local garden and forest ecosystems.
Notable Features
Known for curling its upper lip when stressed, exposing its lower jaw, and possessing a distinctive bright red belly that contrasts sharply with its drab dorsal coloration.