Characteristics:
    A small fossorial snake only reaching a maximum length of just over a foot. The overall coloration is light gray to light brown. Sometimes there are stripes present that run down the back. The belly of this snake ranges in color from red to light orange. Scales are strongly keeled.

*Note:  One subspecies exists in this area, northern redbelly snake (S. o. occipitomaculata)


Habitat:
   The red-bellied snake can be found in a variety of woodland habitats as well as fields and prairie remnants. Moist woods with plenty of cover  tend to be a favorite of this snake.


Behavior:
    This small snake is a ground dweller, spending most of its time foraging on the forest floor. They are mostly diurnal during the spring and autum but it becomes nocturnal during the hot dry summer months. Mating takes place during the summer months and live young are born in late summer or early autumn. They feed mostly on small invertebrates such as worms and slugs which they find under rocks and logs.


Personal Remarks:
    This is a rather secretive snake that is found in the southern tip of IL so we do not get to see them as often as we would like. The red-bellies we have around here tend to have a more orangish belly then red. They look very similar to the brownsnakes and can be easily confused except for the colored belly.