Brown Snake / DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: S. dekayi
Eastern and central North America, extending from southern Canada through the eastern United States down into Mexico and parts of Central America.
Look up Brown Snake / DeKay's Brownsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: S. dekayi
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to its wide distribution, tolerance of human-altered habitats, and stable populations.
Physical Description
Brownish or gray dorsally with a lighter mid-dorsal stripe bordered by small dark spots or dashes. The head is relatively distinct from the neck, with dark markings on the sides of the head. Scales are keeled, and the belly is pale, whitish, or pinkish.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen pictured appears to be a juvenile or small adult, approximately 20-25 cm in length. Adults typically range from 23 to 33 cm, with a maximum recorded length of around 50 cm.
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of habitats including deciduous forests, wetlands, fields, and heavily urbanized suburban areas. Prefers damp microhabitats under logs, rocks, leaf litter, or debris.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized feeder primarily consuming soft-bodied invertebrates such as slugs, earthworms, snails, and occasionally small insects. Relies on active foraging in moist microhabitats.
Reproduction
Viviparous (giving birth to live young). Mating typically occurs in spring, and females give birth to litters ranging from 3 to 31 young in late summer.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to its wide distribution, tolerance of human-altered habitats, and stable populations.
Cultural Significance
Acts as an important natural pest controller in gardens and suburban yards by consuming large quantities of garden pests like slugs and snails.
Notable Features
Remarkably tolerant of urban environments, often thriving in suburban backyards and city parks where other snakes struggle to survive.