Northern Red-Bellied Snake
Family:
Colubridae (nonvenomous snakes) in the order Squamata (lizards and snakes)
Description:
This is one of our smallest snakes. General color is gray-brown or reddish-brown on top and bright red or orange below. It usually has a light tan stripe down the back. This species is sometimes mistaken for a young copperhead and needlessly killed.
Size:
It is 8 to 10 inches (20-25cm) long.
Habitat and conservation:
Northern red-bellied snakes are secretive and normally live under rocks or logs in rocky or damp woods.
Foods:
Food includes earthworms, slugs and, occasionally, insects.
Distribution in Missouri:
Statewide, except for several northwestern counties.