Storeria occipitomaculata
This tiny, nonvenomous snake, also known as the redbelly snake, is Minnesota's smallest snake. It is found through the state, in woods or sandy areas near sources of water. It gets it name from its most distinguishing characteristic--its bright red or pink underside.
Identification
General description: About the size of a large nightcrawler, the redbelly snake is brown or gray. It has lengthwise stripes on top and a red belly below.
Size: Redbelly snakes are less than 4 inches long when they are born. They grow to 8 to 10 inches.
Color: Redbelly snakes come in two color variations. One is brown or reddish-brown with a single lighter stripe. The other is gray with four dark stripes. Both have red undersides.
Reproduction
In Minnesota, redbelly snakes mate in spring and give birth in late summer. Litter size is 1 – 23 young, with average litter size of 8.
Food
The redbelly snake eats insects, earthworms, and slugs.
Predators
Birds of prey, skunks, other snakes.
Habitat and range
The redbelly snake is found in woodlands and forest edges often near water. It lives throughout Minnesota, including the far northeastern part of the state, which harbors few snake species. They spend winters in rock crevices and ant mounds.
Population and management
The redbelly snake has no special status in Minnesota.
Fun facts
Two subspecies of redbelly snake are found in Minnesota. The northern redbelly snake has three light spots on the back of its neck. The Black Hills redbelly snake does not.
