Japanese Red-bellied Snake
Hebius vibakari • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Hebius, Species: Hebius vibakari
Venomous Status
Non-venomous
Danger Level
Harmless - poses no threat to humans or pets; very small mouth and generally reluctant to bite.
Geographic Range
Primarily found throughout Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and surrounding islands), as well as parts of northeastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and the Russian Far East.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally common across its range, though local populations can be affected by habitat loss and pollution of wetlands.
Physical Description
A slender snake with a base color of chocolate brown, reddish-brown, or greyish-brown. It features a faint or distinct narrow dark dorsolateral line and often a characteristic pale or yellowish collar mark behind the head. Scales are keeled. The underside is typically pale yellow or white with small dark spots along the edges.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen appears to be an adult, approximately 40-50 cm. Typical size range for the species is 30 to 65 cm in total length.
Habitat
Favors moist, shaded environments near water sources such as forests, woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas like rice paddies. It is semi-aquatic but often found in leaf litter. Elevation range from sea level to mountainous regions.
Behavior & Temperament
Passive and secretive. Mainly crepuscular or nocturnal, though active during the day in cool/damp weather. When threatened, it usually attempts to flee or hide under debris rather than strike.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on small earthworms, slugs, and small amphibians like frogs or tadpoles. It is an active forager that relies on scent and vision to locate prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females typically lay a small clutch of 2 to 10 eggs during the summer months. Hatchlings emerge in late summer or early autumn.
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
Can be confused with the Japanese Grass Snake (Takydromus tachydromoides - which is a lizard) or juvenile Japanese Forest Ratsnakes (Euprepiophis conspicillata). It is distinguished by its unique collar mark and keeled scales.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally common across its range, though local populations can be affected by habitat loss and pollution of wetlands.
Cultural Significance
Known as 'Hibakari' in Japan. A common folk legend once claimed that if bitten, the victim would die by sunset (the name translates roughly to 'only that day'), though this is biologically false as the snake is completely harmless.
Notable Features
Distinguished by the horizontal white or yellowish streak extending from the corner of the mouth, which gives the appearance of a partial collar. Its semi-fossorial and semi-aquatic nature makes it an important link in the food chain for forest ecosystems.