Redbelly Snake
Range
Statewide, but very few records from the Mississippi Delta.
Description
Scales keeled. Body may be gray, brown, red-brown, yellow-brown or blue-black. Belly generally red, but can be yellow, black, orange or pink. Head darker than body. Nape of neck has three light spots, often forming a "collar." Young patterned like adults. Adults average 8-10 inches in length.
Habitat and Habits
Inhabits moist forests, hiding under logs, rocks and leaf litter. This snake is active from March-October and breeds in spring and fall with 2-18 young born in late summer or early autumn. Diet consists of earthworms, slugs and land snails. Populations require intact forest habitat to survive.