DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi • Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Reptilia, Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: S. dekayi
Common across North America, ranging from southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec) through the eastern half of the United States, extending south into Mexico and Central America.
Look up DeKay's Brownsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Reptilia, Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: S. dekayi
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN) - very common across its range with no major threats other than local collection and habitat destruction.
Physical Description
Small, slender snake with keeled scales. Typically grayish-brown to tan with a lighter dorsal stripe bordered by two rows of small dark spots that sometimes connect crosswise. The head is relatively small with round pupils and a dark spot or 'tear' mark below each eye.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be a small adult or sub-adult, likely around 8-10 inches. The species average is 9 to 13 inches (23-33 cm), with a record length of about 20 inches.
Habitat
Generalist species found in forests, grasslands, and swamps. Highly adaptable to urban and suburban environments, often found in gardens, backyards, and under debris or flat rocks (microhabitat).
Diet & Feeding
Specialized diet consists primarily of earthworms, slugs, and snails. They use their small teeth to grasp soft-bodied prey and do not use constriction.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young) rather than laying eggs. Typical litters range from 3 to 20 neonates, born relative to the summer months (July–September).
Look-alikes
Often confused with Garter Snakes (Thamnophis), which have more prominent stripes, or Juvenile North American Racers (Coluber constrictor), which have more distinct blotches and smooth scales.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN) - very common across its range with no major threats other than local collection and habitat destruction.
Cultural Significance
Crucial ecological role as a natural pest control agent in residential gardens by consuming slugs and snails that damage plants.
Notable Features
One of the few snake species that thrives in close proximity to humans in urban areas. They have specialized jaws that allow them to pull snails out of their shells.