Dekay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Venomous Status
Non-venomous (Aglyphous - lacks specialized venom-delivering fangs)
Danger Level
Harmless - They are small, secretive snakes that are not aggressive and pose no risk to humans or pets.
Geographic Range
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.
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.
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.
Behavior & Temperament
Primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, though often active during the day in cooler weather. They are very docile and rarely bite; when threatened, they may flatten their bodies to appear larger or release a pungent musk from their cloaca.
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.
Venom & Safety
Venom Type
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
First Aid Advice
No medical intervention is required for a bite from this species beyond standard wound cleaning (soap and water) to prevent secondary infection. Antivenom is non-existent as they are non-venomous.
Look-alikes
Often confused with Garter Snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis), but Garter snakes usually have much more distinct, brighter longitudinal stripes and grow larger. Also similar to the Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata), which has a bright red venter and spots on the nape of the neck.
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.