Redbelly Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Silhouette: Alex Slavenko · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassSquamata
- FamilyColubridae (Colubrid Snakes)
- GenusStoreria (American Brown Snakes)
- SpeciesStoreria occipitomaculata (Redbelly Snake)
About the Redbelly Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata, commonly known as the redbelly snake or the red-bellied snake, is a species of harmless snake in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to North America (Canada and the United States).
Storeria occipitomaculata is a small woodland species that usually measures 4–10 in (10–25 cm) in total length (including tail). Its dorsal color ranges from orange to gray, black, or brown. It can be distinguished from other species by its bright red or orange underbelly. Many individuals have a light brown ring behind the head.
Storeria occipitomaculata prefers warmer habitats, and in the more northern limits of its range will inhabit abandoned ant mounds. These mounds absorb solar radiation and are insulated which allows for a longer active season. This species, with large eyes and a kinetic skull, is not able to burrow on its own effectively, and abandoned ant mounds allow it access to a warm retreat. Individuals of this species can be found under logs and leafy debris due to its secretive nature.
Storeria occipitomaculata bears live young by ovoviviparity. Studies of the redbelly snake... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Redbelly Snake in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Queen Snake
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Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acadia National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 2 | Isle Royale National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 3 | Cape Breton Highlands National Park | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
| 4 | Shenandoah National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 5 | Congaree National Park | 🇺🇸 United States |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Redbelly Snake in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Redbelly Snake sighting in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, based on 32 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Redbelly Snake in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
September has the highest sighting rate for Redbelly Snake in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in our monthly data.