Northern red-bellied snake
Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata
Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata
HARMLESS
Description:
The red-bellied snake's pattern is quite variable. They can be gray to rusty red in coloration with either a broad light stripe or four narrow dark stripes running down the back. They have three light spots on the nape of the neck, which may be fused to form a collar. As the common name suggests, the belly is a red or orange color. In some extreme cases it may be black. The scales are keeled and the anal plate is divided.
Size:
Adults 8 - 14 inches (20 - 36 cm)
Prey:
Slugs, earthworms, and small insects
Reproduction:
Mates in spring and young are born June to September. Babies are about 2 - 4 inches (5 - 10 cm) long.
Habitat:
Woodlands - in areas that stay moist and have plenty of cover
Other Information:
When captured, this snake will often curl up one or both sides of its upper lip.
Why doesn't the range map show this species in my county?
The red-bellied snake's pattern is quite variable. They can be gray to rusty red in coloration with either a broad light stripe or four narrow dark stripes running down the back. They have three light spots on the nape of the neck, which may be fused to form a collar. As the common name suggests, the belly is a red or orange color. In some extreme cases it may be black. The scales are keeled and the anal plate is divided.
Size:
Adults 8 - 14 inches (20 - 36 cm)
Prey:
Slugs, earthworms, and small insects
Reproduction:
Mates in spring and young are born June to September. Babies are about 2 - 4 inches (5 - 10 cm) long.
Habitat:
Woodlands - in areas that stay moist and have plenty of cover
Other Information:
When captured, this snake will often curl up one or both sides of its upper lip.
Why doesn't the range map show this species in my county?
