The Fascinating Orange-Bellied Snake
What Is An Orange-Bellied Snake?
The Orange-Bellied Snake (or Storeria dekayi) is an amazing species of nonvenomous snake found in much of the eastern United States. It is a small snake, typically reaching 10-12 inches in length, with smooth shiny scales and a distinct orange or reddish colored “belly”. It is a secretive snake, typically hiding under leaves, logs, or other debris, and rarely seen in the open.
Where Does The Orange-Bellied Snake Live?
The Orange-Bellied Snake is found in much of the eastern United States, including parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. It prefers damp, wooded areas with plenty of hiding spots, and can often be found near wetlands or other areas with abundant leaf litter and debris.
What Does The Orange-Bellied Snake Eat?
The Orange-Bellied Snake is an avid hunter, preying on a variety of small animals including earthworms, slugs, snails, small lizards, and insects. It is an active hunter, often using its head and neck to push through the leaf litter in search of food. It also has a curious nature, often exploring its surroundings and hunting opportunities.
How Does The Orange-Bellied Snake Reproduce?
The Orange-Bellied Snake is a mostly solitary species, and typically only comes together with another of its kind to mate. Breeding typically occurs in the late spring and early summer, and the female will lay a clutch of up to 10 eggs in a nest of leaves or soil. The eggs will hatch after about 6 weeks, and the young snakes will be about 4-5 inches in length.
What Are The Threats To The Orange-Bellied Snake?
The Orange-Bellied Snake is listed as a species of special concern in some parts of its range due to habitat destruction and collection for the pet trade. It is also threatened by the destruction of its natural habitat, as well as competition with other species such as the Gray Rat Snake.
What Can We Do To Help The Orange-Bellied Snake?
The best way to help the Orange-Bellied Snake is to protect its natural habitat. This can be done by preserving wooded areas, wetland habitats, and other areas where the snake is likely to be found. It is also important to be aware of the species and to report any sightings to local wildlife organizations.
Conclusion
The Orange-Bellied Snake is an amazing species of nonvenomous snake found in much of the eastern United States. It is an important species to its environment, and, as such, should be protected and preserved. By protecting its natural habitat and being aware of its presence, we can help ensure the survival of this fascinating species for future generations.