ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Northern Red-bellied Snake

 Northern Red-bellied Snake

northern red-bellied snake

The northern redbelly is the smallest snake in Ohio. Like its close relative the Northern brown snake, it makes no attempt to bite, even when first captured.
 

Northern Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata

At-a-Glance

• Length: 8-10 in (20-25 cm)

• Number of offspring: 7-8

• Typical Foods: slugs, earthworms, and beetle larvae
Description
A uniformly scarlet or red-orange belly, plus three usually well defined light blotches immediately behind the head, is the most distinctive characteristic.

Habitat and Habits
This snake may be found in sphagnum bogs, wet meadows, or swamp forests, as well as dry, open wooded areas in the eastern half of the state. It is very secretive; the Northern redbelly spends most of its life hidden beneath boards, rotting logs, brush piles, and leaves, where it seeks out slugs, earthworms, and beetle larvae.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Red-bellied snakes do not lay eggs. Mating occurs in the spring and early summer. The young are usually born between late July and early September.