About Storeria occipitomaculata Storer, 1839
Storeria occipitomaculata is a small snake species that lives in woodlands. It usually reaches a total length of 4–10 inches (10–25 cm) including the tail. Its dorsal (back) color can range from orange to gray, black, or brown. It can be told apart from other similar species by its bright red or orange underbelly, and many individuals have a light brown ring located behind the head.
This species prefers warmer habitats. Near the northern edge of its range, it often lives in abandoned ant mounds. These mounds absorb solar radiation and are insulated, which lets the snake stay active for a longer season each year. Storeria occipitomaculata has large eyes and a kinetic skull, but it cannot burrow effectively on its own. Abandoned ant mounds provide this species with access to a warm, protected retreat. Due to its secretive nature, individuals can also be found hiding under logs and leafy debris.
Storeria occipitomaculata reproduces by giving birth to live young through ovoviviparity. Research on this species (also called the redbelly snake) shows that it reproduces every year, and females are gravid (carrying developing young) during spring and early summer. While the body size of redbelly snakes varies across their geographic range, their average litter size stays consistent, at 7–9 young per litter on average. Redbelly snakes start mating at around two years of age, and must reach a minimum length of 22 centimetres (8.7 in) to reach sexual maturity.
