
Northern Bown Snake
Storeria dekayi dekayi
At-a-Glance
• Length: 9 - 13 inches
• Number of offspring : 3-31
• Typical Foods: earthworms, snails, and slugs
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Description
The Northern and midland brownsnakes are almost identical in coloration. Both have two rows of dark sports running down the back. On the midland brown snake, these spots are connected by dark crossbands. The midland brownsnake has 176 or more ventral and subcaudal scales; the northern brownsnake has 175 or fewer.
Habitat and Habits
Brownsnakes never bite when captured. Their only real defense is the musk glands which they freely exercise when first captured. These common but secretive little snakes are often encountered hiding under stones, logs, old boards, and other such debris, where they feed extensively on snails, slugs, worms, and soft-bodied insects.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
These snakes do not lay eggs. When the young are born in the summer, there is no parental care involved. |
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