Reptile · GBIF taxon 2457039
Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculataAlso known as Redbelly Snake, Fire Snake
Red-bellied snakes are tiny, secretive reptiles that spend most of their lives hidden beneath logs, stones, and leaf litter in moist environments. When threatened, they often curl their upper lips back to display their teeth in a harmless threat posture. They play a valuable role in forest ecosystems by feeding heavily on slugs, snails, and other garden pests.
SecretiveHarmlessReptile
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Slugs
- Earthworms
- Snails
Predators
- Hawks
- Large Toads
- Milk Snakes
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, lawn mower impacts, and road mortality
HabitatsMoist woodlands, forest edges, meadows, and bogs
Life span4 to 10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyColubridae
- SpeciesStoreria occipitomaculata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Habitat Search: Look beneath flat rocks and fallen logs in damp, shady woods.
- Defensive Behavior: Expect a harmless lip-curling display or musk release if gently handled.
- Yard Habitat: Keep patches of native leaf mulch to attract these natural pest controllers.
Frequent Companion Wilson44691 / Public domain · cc0
Similar Species no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative (c) Mila C., some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mila C. · cc-by
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