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This site was created by students in the herpetology class at Towson University. Site last updated: 05/21/07.
Acknowledgements: Herb Harris - Range Maps; Mark Tegges - Photography; Dan Lapascha & Gigi Forester - TU Herpetology Logo
Red-bellied snake
(Storeria occipitomaculata)
Description
This small snake may be brown, reddish, or gray, with two black lines down its back and three light spots behind its head. As its common name suggests, the underside of this snake is distinctly bright red to pink. Adults range from 20-25 cm in length, and males generally have longer tails than females. Young are colored like adults but usually much brighter, and are 7.6-10.2 cm long at birth.
Habitat
These secretive snakes are most often found on dry wooded slopes and ridges, where they frequent hiding places under bark, logs, and leaf litter. It may also be found near bogs and marshes with abundant debris for cover.
Breeding
Mating occurs in spring and fall. Females that breed in fall will delay fertilization and development until the following spring after they emerge from hibernation. Females bear 5-8 live young in late summer. Young will become sexually mature after two years.
Distribution in Maryland
Range map adapted from Harris, 1975.
Links
http://herpnet.net/Minnesota-Herpetology/snakes/Redbelly_snake.html