Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

An adult length of 10 to 15 inches is attained. Normally brown to russet, but occasionally the dorsum is gray. The belly is usually a red orange but may rarely be gray or black. There are usually 3 light spots on the nape but these may rarely be fused into a collar. This snake may flatten the body and head, form an S or a loose coil, and roll its upper labial (lip) scales upwards when frightened. Use range when attempting subspecies differentiation. Broad areas of intergradation occur where subspecies about. Scales keeled. Ovoviviparous. Juveniles similar to but darker than adults.

Unique Features:

Three light nape spots or a collar and normally a red venter.

Habitat and Diet:

A secretive woodland, edge, and sometimes yard snake. The diet of this species consists primarily of slugs and snails but earthworms are also eaten.

Geographic Range:

GA, SC, AL, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, RI, NY, NH, VT, AR, CT, IL, IN, ME, MD, MA, MN, MS, MI, ID, KS, MO, NE, NJ, IA, ND, OH, OK, WI, PA, SD