DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Extensive range across North America, from southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec) through the eastern half of the United States, and south into Mexico and Central America as far as Honduras.
Look up DeKay's Brownsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous; lacks fangs or venom glands.
Danger Level
Harmless; they pose no threat to humans or pets. They are extremely unlikely to bite and usually rely on musk or fleeing for defense.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Conservation
IUCN status: Least Concern. The species is stable and highly resilient to human-driven habitat alteration, though they are frequently killed by lawnmowers or mistaken for dangerous species.
Physical Description
Small, slender body typically grayish-brown to tan. Features two rows of dark spots bordering a lighter central dorsal stripe. The head is small with dark patches on the temples and below the eyes. Pupils are round and scales are keeled.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen appears to be an adult around 9-11 inches. Typical adults range from 9 to 13 inches (23-33 cm), with a record length of about 19 inches.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous forests, edge habitats, grasslands, and marshes. They are very common in suburban and urban environments, often found under debris, leaf litter, or in gardens and parks.
Behavior & Temperament
Primarily terrestrial and fossorial, secretive and docile. Often active during the day (diurnal) or twilight (crepuscular). When threatened, they may flatten their bodies or release a mild-smelling musk.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized diet primarily consisting of slugs, earthworms, and snails. They use their specialized teeth to pull snails from their shells. They are active foragers.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Typically produces a litter of 3 to 40 young (average 12-15) during late summer or early autumn.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Often confused with the Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), but lacks the well-defined side stripes. Also confused with the Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata), which has a bright red venter.
Conservation Status
IUCN status: Least Concern. The species is stable and highly resilient to human-driven habitat alteration, though they are frequently killed by lawnmowers or mistaken for dangerous species.
Cultural Significance
Ecologically beneficial in residential areas as natural pest control for garden slugs and snails. Often the first snake children encounter due to their tolerance of urban development.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its 'city-snake' reputation; it is one of the few snake species that thrives in densely populated metropolitan areas due to its small size and preference for hiding under artificial debris.