Storeria dekayi
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Reptilia |
| Order: Squamata |
| Family: Colubridae |
| Genus: Storeria |
| Species: Storeria dekayi |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Brown snakes have keeled scales and grow to be around 10-20 inches in length. They can vary to be red-brown to gray in color, with two rows of small dark spots on the back, a dark patch along the top of the head, and a spotted yellow-brown belly.
Habitat & Range
Brown snakes can be found in moist woods and marshes in most of the eastern half of the United States and through Mexico.
Behavior
Brown snakes are secretive and prefer to hide under rocks, longs, and pieces of debris. They are normally active in the day unless temperatures are too hot. They prey on worms, slugs, and snails that are commonly found in their hidden location.
They are extremely docile, non-venomous, and rarely bite. Instead, they flatten out their bodies to appear larger and can release a foul-smelling musk when provoked to deter predators.
Life Cycle
Like water snakes, brown snakes give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Mating happens in the early spring after they have emerged from their winter dens. Females give birth to live-young in the late summer and are independent as soon as they are released. Adult maturity is reached after 2 or 3 years.
Featured image by John Swanlund