Northern Redbelly Snake
(Storeria occipitomaculata) |
 |
DESCRIPTION: The redbelly snake has two
color phases – brown and gray. This snake has two black lines
along the length of its back that look similar to the dark spots
along the back of the brown snake. However, Northern Redbelly
Snakes lack the cross bars and their underside is a distinctive
bright pink. Often, there are three light spots located behind
the head and one below and behind each eye. Redbelly snakes
range 7 to 10 inches in length.
STATUS:
RANGE:
HABITAT: Found in wooded areas,
particularly where there are rocks, logs, or other cover.
Habitats may be moist or dry, ranging from the edges of swamps
and bogs to well drained, rocky hilltops. The debris around old
barns and abandoned houses often support colonies of this little
snake. They can be found under all manner of surface objects,
such as rocks, logs, boards, debris, bark, and leaves. These
snakes over-winter in anthills, in unused rodent burrows, and in
soil containing crevices and passageways.
SPECIAL HABITAT:
FOOD: This snake eats insects, earthworms,
slugs and occasionally, tiny frogs. |
