Northern redbelly snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern redbelly snake |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Storeria |
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S. o. occipitomaculata
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| Trinomial name | |
| Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata (Storer, 1839)
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The northern redbelly snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata) is a small, non-poisonous snake. It belongs to the Colubridae family. This snake is a type of Storeria occipitomaculata. People sometimes call it a fire snake because of its bright belly.
This snake lives only in certain areas. It can be found across North America and parts of the Caribbean. Its home ranges from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia in Canada. In the United States, it lives as far south as Florida and Texas. You can also find it in Jamaica.
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What Does the Northern Redbelly Snake Look Like?
Northern redbelly snakes come in many colors. Their backs can be olive-brown, tan-brown, or chestnut-brown. Some are grey-brown, grey, or even black.
They have a special mark that gives them their name. They have three yellow spots right behind their head. The scientific name occipitomaculata means "spotted back of the head." This describes these yellow spots perfectly.
Their belly is usually a bright color. It can be coral-red or brick-red. Sometimes, their back has a striped look with three different shades. Like all snakes in the Storeria group, they have scales that feel ridged, like a keel on a boat.
Adult northern redbelly snakes grow to about 31 cm (12 in) long. That's about the length of a school ruler!
Where Do Northern Redbelly Snakes Live?
These snakes like places that are damp and cool. You can often find them in moist flowerbeds and gardens. They also enjoy wet woodlands. They especially like areas where a forest meets a wetland.
They often hide under logs and rocks. These hiding spots are usually close to woods or forests.
What Do Northern Redbelly Snakes Eat?
Northern redbelly snakes are helpful garden visitors. They mostly eat slugs and earthworms. This makes them good for keeping gardens healthy!
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Northern redbelly snakes give birth to live young. They do not lay eggs. When they are born, the baby snakes are tiny. Each newborn measures about 7.6 to 11 cm (3 to 4.3 in) long.
Northern Redbelly Snakes in Captivity
These snakes can be kept as pets. They are not poisonous, so they are safe to hold. In captivity, they can live for up to 4 years.
Images for kids
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A northern redbelly snake
