Red-bellied Snake

Scientific Name: Storeria occipitomaculata

Terrestrial

Native

Nonvenomous

A small garden snake- 6 to 14 inches long. Brown or gray above, with two rows of black dots or two or four thin dark lines from head to tail. Underside is usually red or orange, rarely yellow or dull white. Pale spots are present on either side of the neck and under each eye. Small young have a pale collar. Scales are keeled (ridged) and in 15 rows.

Range and Habitat

Found in hardwood or mixed pine-hardwood forests of Louisiana. Avoid coastal regions and uncommon in the Mississippi River floodplain.

Behavior

Tend to stay concealed under leaf litter and objects in wooded or forested areas. When approached they often curl their lips upward in a threatening "sneer" though they rarely ever strike or bite. Primarily feed on slugs. Give birth to 6 to 15 young.

Population Status

Populations are considered stable within the state.