DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Widely distributed across North America, ranging from southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec) through the eastern and central United States, down into Mexico and Central America (Honduras).
Look up DeKay's Brownsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous (aglyphous)
Danger Level
Harmless. These snakes are not aggressive and their small size makes them incapable of inflicting serious injury to humans or pets.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN). They are abundant across most of their range, though habitat destruction and insecticides affecting their prey base are potential local threats.
Physical Description
Small, slender snake with keeled scales. Coloration is typically light brown to grayish with a distinct pale dorsal stripe bordered by two rows of small dark spots or 'checkers'. The head is relatively small with dark markings on the neck and temples. Pupils are round.
Size & Dimensions
Typically 23–33 cm (9–13 inches) in total length. Maximum recorded is approximately 49 cm (19 inches). The specimen in the image appears to be a small adult or sub-adult.
Habitat
Generalist species found in forests, grasslands, and marshes. They are highly adaptable to urban environments, often found in gardens, parks, and under debris. They prefer moist microhabitats and are primarily fossorial or terrestrial.
Behavior & Temperament
Secretive and docile. Primarily diurnal or crepuscular, though they can be nocturnal in hot weather. When threatened, they may flatten their bodies to appear larger or release a foul-smelling musk.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized diet consisting primarily of soft-bodied invertebrates such as earthworms, slugs, and snails. They use their specialized jaw structure to extract snails from their shells.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Litters typically range from 5 to 25 neonates, born between late summer and early autumn.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with the Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata), which has a bright red venter, or juveniles of the Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), which usually have more defined longitudinal stripes.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). They are abundant across most of their range, though habitat destruction and insecticides affecting their prey base are potential local threats.
Cultural Significance
Highly beneficial to gardeners and farmers as they provide natural pest control by consuming slugs and snails. They are one of the most common snakes encountered in residential areas of the eastern US.
Notable Features
Possesses specialized teeth and jaw morphology that allows them to grip and pull snails directly out of their shells, a unique adaptation among North American colubrids.