Red Bellied Snake Storeria occipitomaculata

Identification
This tiny species has a brown or gray back and a bright red or orange belly. It has three pale neck spots.

Location
Uncommon statewide

Size
8 to 10 inches

Diet
It feeds mainly on slugs and worms.

Habitat
It occurs in forests and wooded areas across Ohio.

Activity Period
April to October

Behavior
It is secretive and spends much time under logs and leaf litter. It is tolerant of cool moist habitats. It is most active in cool moist conditions.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring and females give birth to live young in late summer.

Population
The population is stable but localized.

History
It has long been present in Ohio but is seldom seen.

Human Interactions
It is harmless and easily handled.

Facts
It is one of the smallest snakes in Ohio.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Slugs worms soft invertebrates | Forests woodlands moist leaf litter | Statewide but scattered