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 through the eastern and central United States, and extending south into Mexico and parts of Central America.
Look up Dekay's Brownsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous
Danger Level
Harmless; they are small, bite rarely, and lack venom or large teeth. They pose no threat to humans or pets.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Storeria, Species: Storeria dekayi
Conservation
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is abundant and adaptable to human-altered landscapes, though local populations face threats from habitat destruction and pesticides.
Physical Description
Small, slender snake typically brown to grayish-brown. Features two parallel rows of dark spots bordering a lighter dorsal stripe. Scales are keeled (ridged). The head is small with dark markings below the eyes and on the temporal region.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image is a juvenile, approximately 4–6 inches long. Adults typically range from 9 to 13 inches (23–33 cm), rarely exceeding 15 inches.
Habitat
Generalist species found in forests, grasslands, and marshes, but highly adapted to suburban and urban environments. Often found in microhabitats such as under logs, rocks, leaf litter, and garden debris.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and secretive. Primary defense is hiding or flattening the body to appear larger. They are primarily crepuscular or nocturnal, especially in warm weather, and rarely strike when handled.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized feeder focusing on soft-bodied invertebrates, primarily earthworms, slugs, and snails. They use specialized jaw morphology to extract snails from their shells.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Litters typically range from 5 to 25 neonates, usually born in late summer (July–September).
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with the Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata), which has a bright red underside and neck spots, or juvenile Garter Snakes, which have more prominent longitudinal stripes and larger heads.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is abundant and adaptable to human-altered landscapes, though local populations face threats from habitat destruction and pesticides.
Cultural Significance
Ecologically beneficial in gardens as they provide natural pest control for slugs and snails. They are one of the most common snakes encountered by people in urban North America.
Notable Features
Features specialized teeth and jaw flexibility designed specifically for snail-eating; they can grasp the soft body of a snail and pull it out of the shell without breaking the shell itself.