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 throughout the eastern two-thirds of the United States, and south into Mexico and Central America.
Look up DeKay's Brownsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous; lacks fangs and venom glands.
Danger Level
Harmless; posing no threat to humans or pets. They are very unlikely to bite even when handled.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Conservation
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is highly resilient to urban development and widespread.
Physical Description
Small, slender snake with keeled scales. Typically light brown to gray with a central light stripe bordered by two rows of dark spots. The head is relatively small with dark markings behind the eyes and a dark spot on the neck.
Size & Dimensions
Typical adult length is 9-13 inches (23-33 cm). This specimen appears to be a small adult or sub-adult fitting within that range.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in wetlands, grasslands, and forests, but very common in residential areas, gardens, and vacant lots under debris or leaf litter.
Behavior & Temperament
Secretive and docile. Primary defense is hiding or musk release if Provoked. They are primarily diurnal or crepuscular depending on temperature.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized diet consisting mainly of soft-bodied invertebrates such as earthworms, slugs, and snails. They use their small teeth to grasp and swallow prey.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Litters typically range from 3 to 15 neonates, usually born in late summer.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with Garter Snakes (Thamnophis), which are larger and have different striping, or Copperheads (juveniles), though Copperheads have distinct hourglass patterns and heat pits.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is highly resilient to urban development and widespread.
Cultural Significance
Ecologically beneficial in gardens as they control slug and snail populations. Often used in citizen science as an indicator of urban biodiversity.
Notable Features
One of the most successful urban-dwelling snakes in North America; they have a specialized jaw structure that allows them to pull snails out of their shells.
Notes
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