(Storeria o. occipitomaculata)
are often found in association with their close relative, the Brown Snake. This species is variable in colour
with the slight majority of individuals being a dark grey to almost black with two darker lines running down
the back. A rusy brownish colour phase is also common and individuals that are intermediate between the
"grey phase" and "red phase" are frequently encountered as well. All colour variations have a bright red
belly and light cream to yellowish smudging behind the head and jaw. The red phase is easily confused
with the Brown Snake but this species lacks the black flecks that Brown Snakes have on the face, always
have a bright red belly and are on average slightly smaller as adults. They eat mainly slugs and worms.
As with all Storeria sp., this species rarely attempts to bite but occasionally exhibits an unusual lip-curling
display (last photo). They are completely harmless to humans and in fact provide a benefit to farmers as
they eat mainly slugs.
see this display very often and have never seen it photographed before. This snake may
have been more agitated than normal because it is preparing to shed (notice the clouded
eye).
Photo taken in LaSalle
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