DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
What it is
Storeria dekayi, commonly known as the brown snake or De Kay's snake, is a small species of colubrid snake.
Where and when to find it
- Habitat
- Widespread across the eastern half of the United States. They like gardens, parks, forests, and fields, often found under rocks, logs, or leaf litter.
- How to find it
- Carefully lift rocks, logs, or old boards in gardens or wooded areas. They are very camouflaged against the soil.
- Best time of day
- Daytime, especially after rain; spring to fall.
How it lives
- What it eats
- Slugs, worms, snails, and soft-bodied insects.
- What eats it
- Birds, larger snakes, raccoons, opossums, shrews.
Worth knowing
- They are completely harmless to humans and are very shy.
- They often give birth to live young instead of laying eggs.
- They can be found in urban areas, even in city gardens.
- These tiny snakes are one of the most common snakes in many parts of their range.
- They have a special jaw structure that helps them eat slippery slugs.
- Some people call them 'garden snakes' because they live in gardens.
Why it matters
DeKay's Brownsnakes help control populations of slugs and worms. They are a part of the food web for larger animals.