Japanese Red-bellied Snake
Hebius vibakari • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Hebius, Species: Hebius vibakari
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.
Look up Japanese Red-bellied Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Hebius, Species: Hebius vibakari
Conservation
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.
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.
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. Its local name translates roughly to 'only that day'.
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.