Redbelly Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria occipitomaculata
Widely distributed across eastern North America, from southern Canada down through the eastern United States to the Gulf Coast and west to the Great Plains.
Look up Redbelly Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria occipitomaculata
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, as the species has a wide distribution and generally stable populations, though local habitat loss can impact populations.
Physical Description
Small-bodied snake with uniform brownish-red, gray, or olive dorsal coloration, sometimes featuring faint stripes. The head is relatively distinct, and the belly is typically bright red or orange. Scales are weakly keeled.
Size & Dimensions
Specimens typically range from 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) in total length, with a maximum recorded length of about 40 cm (15.5 inches).
Habitat
Found in deciduous and coniferous forests, fields, meadows, and sometimes suburban areas. They are secretive, spending most of their time hidden under rocks, logs, bark, leaf litter, and damp soil.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized feeder focusing almost entirely on soft-bodied invertebrates, primarily slugs, snails, and earthworms. They actively forage in damp microhabitats.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous species, giving birth to live young. Mating typically occurs in the spring, and females give birth to litters ranging from 1 to 20 young in late summer.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, as the species has a wide distribution and generally stable populations, though local habitat loss can impact populations.
Cultural Significance
Acts as an important natural controller of garden pests such as slugs and snails within its ecosystem range.
Notable Features
Known for their secretive nature, often curling tightly or displaying their brightly colored belly when uncovered.