DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Widely distributed across North America, from southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec) through the eastern half of the United States to northeastern Mexico and parts of Central America.
Look up DeKay's Brownsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous (aglyphous)
Danger Level
Harmless - poses no threat to humans; rarely bites even when handled, though it may release musk.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Conservation
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Populations are stable, and the species is highly resilient to habitat modification and urbanization.
Physical Description
Small, slender snake with a brown to grayish-brown body. Two rows of small dark spots run down the back, often connected by a faint lighter dorsal stripe. Head is slightly distinct from the neck with a dark temporal spot behind each eye. Eyes are large with round pupils. Dorsal scales are keeled.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen appears to be an adult, approximately 25-30 cm. Typical adult size range is 23-33 cm, with a maximum record of about 49 cm.
Habitat
Generalist species found in forests, grasslands, and wetlands; highly adapted to urban and suburban areas. Often found under debris, logs, or flat rocks in gardens and parks. Occurs from sea level up to 1400m.
Behavior & Temperament
Primarily fossorial and secretive during the day; crepuscular or nocturnal during warm weather. Docile temperament; defensive behavior includes flattening the body to appear larger and excreting a foul-smelling musk from the cloaca.
Diet & Feeding
Specialize in soft-bodied invertebrates such as earthworms, slugs, and snails. They possess specialized teeth and jaw structure to pull snails out of their shells. They use active foraging to find prey.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Litters typically consist of 5-20 neonates, born in late summer (July-September). No parental care is provided after birth.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Often confused with Garter Snakes (Thamnophis saps.) but lacks the distinct lateral stripes. Also resembles Red-bellied Snakes (Storeria occipitomaculata), which usually have a bright red underside and three light spots behind the head.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Populations are stable, and the species is highly resilient to habitat modification and urbanization.
Cultural Significance
Crucial ecological role as a biological pest control agent, particularly in urban gardens where they consume slugs and snails that damage ornamental plants and vegetables.
Notable Features
Notable for its exceptional ability to thrive in human-altered landscapes. It is one of the few snake species frequently encountered in densely populated city centers across the Eastern US.