Dekay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Widely distributed throughout North America, ranging from southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec) down through the eastern and central United States, and as far south as Guatemala and Honduras.
Look up Dekay's Brownsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Conservation
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. They are highly adaptable to human-altered landscapes, though they face threats from habitat destruction and vehicle mortality.
Physical Description
A small, slender snake typically brown to grayish-brown. The most diagnostic feature visible is two parallel rows of small dark spots bordering a lighter-colored dorsal stripe. The head is relatively small, and they have large, round pupils and keeled scales.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be an adult, approximately 9 to 12 inches (23-30 cm) long. The typical size range for the species is 6 to 13 inches, with a maximum record of about 20 inches.
Habitat
Generalist species found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and marshes. They are exceptionally common in urban and suburban areas, often found under debris, rocks, or in residential gardens at various elevations.
Diet & Feeding
Active foragers that specialize in eating soft-bodied invertebrates, primarily slugs and earthworms. They have specialized teeth and jaw structures to help extract snails from their shells.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Breeding occurs in spring or autumn, with litters typically ranging from 5 to 25 neonates born in late summer.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. They are highly adaptable to human-altered landscapes, though they face threats from habitat destruction and vehicle mortality.
Cultural Significance
Economically and ecologically beneficial as they provide natural pest control in gardens by consuming slugs and snails that damage plants.
Notable Features
Highly adapted to urban life; they are one of the most common snakes found in major metropolitan backyards. They have specialized 'snail-eating' teeth located in the back of the mouth.