Northern Redbelly Snake
(Storeria occipitomaculata)
DESCRIPTION: The redbelly snake has two color phases - brown and gray.
Northern Redbelly Snake
Scientific Name: Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata
Size: 8-16 inches (20.3-40.6 cm) in length
PA Status: Abundant ...
The northern redbelly snake, Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata, differs only by the presence of three light spots on the nape. The other, the Black Hills redbelly snake, Storeia occipitomaculata pahapsae, lacks these spots.
Two subspecies, the Florida Redbelly Snake (S. o. obscura) and Northern Redbelly Snake (S. o. occipitomaculata) occur in the state. The Florida Redbelly subspecies typically has a yellowish or orangish belly rather than red.
Two subspecies of redbelly snake are found in Minnesota. The northern redbelly snake has three light spots on the back of its neck. The Black Hills redbelly snake does not.
Similar species in our area: Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus), Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis ssp.) and Ribbon Snakes (Thamnophis sauritus) all may look similar. Northern Redbelly Snake (S. occipitomaculata) has red belly.
Similar species within the Wisconsin range are the prairie ringneck snake (differs by black spots on yellow to orange belly, and yellow ring encircles neck), and the northern redbelly snake (differs by having keeled scales).
 See also: Snake, Redbelly Snake, Reptile, Brown Snake, Ringneck Snake
  
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