Dekay's Brownsnake

(Formerly Brown Snake)

Scientific Name: Storeria dekayi
Family: Natricidae
 

Description & Size

• Legless
• No eyelids
• Lacks external ears
• 17 rows of scales that have a ridge in the middle (keeled)
• Total length: 22.9-45.9 cm (9.0-18.1 in)
• Back color: brown, reddish-brown, gray
• Belly color: lightly colored
• May or may not have dark dots and/or stripes that extend down the back

Life History

• Diurnal, rarely Nocturnal
• Active season: Early March – early November
• Breeding season: spring
• Gives live birth
• 6-8 young per female

Habitat

• Woodlands around streams
• Brushy habitat around streams
• Moist woodlands
• Suburban backyards
• Under rocks, logs, and boards

Diet

• Snails
• Slugs
• Earthworms
• Insects