Dekay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Conservation Status:
State Status: Secure
Global Assessment: Least Concern
Photographed by David Cappaert in Hartford
Description
Dekay’s brownsnakes are small, growing around nine to twenty inches. They are gray, brown, or tan with a cream colored stomach. There is a light stripe running down the middle of the back, bordered by darker spots. There are often dark blotches on the head.
Newborn snakes are black with a lighter ring around their neck.
Habitat
These snakes are commonly found in marshes and bogs, as well as urban and suburban areas.
Behavior
This species eats invertebrates, primarily earthworms, snails, and slugs. They are preyed on by birds, larger snakes, and bullfrogs. When handled, they may emit a musk. They are docile, and rarely bite. They give birth to around 30 live young.
Range
Present
Dekay's Brownsnake
Photographed by bradyseven
Often Confused with
Northern Redbelly Snake
Photo needed! Email ajones7428@gmail.com
Dekay's brownsnakes and redbelly snakes are commonly confused. Brownsnakes are larger and a lighter brown compared to the reddish-brown or gray coloration of redbelly snakes. Redbelly snakes have three light spots behind the head that sometimes blend into a ring, orange or red stomachs, and a light stripe sometimes bordered by darker stripes. Dekay's brownsnakes have cream bellies, and a light stripe down the back bordered by dark spots.