Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata • Order: Squamata; Suborder: Serpentes; Family: Colubridae; Subfamily: Natricinae; Genus: Storeria; Species: S. occipitomaculata
Venomous Status
Non-venomous
Danger Level
Harmless - these snakes are extremely small, possess no venom, and rarely attempt to bite humans.
Geographic Range
Southeastern Canada and the eastern half of the United States, stretching from the Atlantic coast west to the Dakotas and eastern Texas.
Conservation Status
IUCN Status: Least Concern. Major threats include habitat destruction and roads, where they are often killed due to their surface-level movement.
Physical Description
A small, slender snake with keeled scales. Coloration is typically brown, gray, or black with two thin darker stripes along the sides and a faint light mid-dorsal stripe. Most identifying features include three light spots on the nape of the neck (occipital spots) and a distinctive bright red or orange underside.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be an adult, approximately 20–25 cm. Typical size for the species is 20–31 cm, with a maximum of about 40 cm.
Habitat
Primarily temperate deciduous forests, wetlands, and moist woodlands. Often found under debris like logs, rocks, or leaf litter at elevations ranging from sea level to over 1,500 meters.
Behavior & Temperament
Secretive and fossorial; active mostly during the day or evening. When threatened, they may curl their upper lip (lip-curling) to display their teeth or release musk. They are generally very docile.
Diet & Feeding
Specialize almost exclusively on slugs and snails. They use their curved teeth to pull snails from their shells and are active foragers in moist leaf litter.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Litters typically range from 4 to 15 neonates, born between late summer and early autumn.
Venom Profile
Venom Type
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
AI-generated — see a qualified source if acting on this. For any snakebite, call emergency services immediately.
Look-alikes
Dekay's Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) which lacks the red belly and occipital spots, and Garter Snakes (Thamnophis), which are generally larger with more distinct longitudinal stripes.
Conservation Status
IUCN Status: Least Concern. Major threats include habitat destruction and roads, where they are often killed due to their surface-level movement.
Cultural Significance
Important ecological role as a natural pest control agent in gardens, as they consume slugs that are often detrimental to plants.
Notable Features
Known for its unique 'labial flare' or lip-curling defensive display and its highly specialized diet that keeps garden pest populations in check.