Page 39 - Arkansas Snake Guide
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SUZANNE COLLINS WOODLAND SNAKES
Redbelly Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Range Statewide, but very few records from the
Mississippi Delta.
Description Scales keeled. Body may be gray, brown,
red-brown, yellow-brown or blue-black. Belly generally red,
but can be yellow, black, orange or pink. Head darker than
body. Nape of neck has three light spots, often forming a
“collar.” Young patterned like adults. Adults average 8-10
inches in length.
Habitat and Habits Inhabits moist forests, hiding
under logs, rocks and leaf litter. This snake is active from
March-October and breeds in spring and fall with 2-18
young born in late summer or early autumn. Diet consists
of earthworms, slugs and land snails. Populations require
intact forest habitat to survive.
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