The northern redbelly snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata) is a nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae, a subspecies of Storeria occipitomaculata. It is sometimes referred to as a fire snake. It is native to North America.
S. o. occipitomaculata is found in the central and northeastern United States and in adjacent southeastern Canada.[1]
Adults and young of S. o. occipitomaculata have known dorsal colorations of solid olive-brown, tan-brown, chestnut-brown, grey-brown, grey or even black. They have three yellow spots posterior to the head shields,[2] to which the specific name occipitomaculata (meaning spotted back of the head) refers. The underside is coral-red to brick-red. Coloration is usually made up of three different shades forming a striped pattern. Like all species of the genus Storeria, the northern redbelly snake has keeled dorsal scales and no loreal scale.[3] Some specimens have been found with three black dots on the top of the head. Adults grow to about 31 cm (12 in) in total length (including tail).
The northern redbelly snake lives in moist flowerbeds, gardens, and moist woodlands, such as borders between forest and wetlands. It often rests under logs and rocks near a woods or forest.[4]
S. o. occipitomaculata preys primarily on slugs and earthworms.[3]
The northern redbelly snake gives birth to live young.[3] Each newborn measures about 7.6–11 centimetres (3.0–4.3 in) in total length.
S. o. occipitomaculata is known to live up to four years in captivity. Being nonvenomous, it can be safely held.
The northern redbelly snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata) is a nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae, a subspecies of Storeria occipitomaculata. It is sometimes referred to as a fire snake. It is native to North America.
