Florida's Snakes
Florida Brownsnake
(Storeria victa)NON-VENOMOUS
Solid-colored
Florida Brownsnake
Photo by Dr. Steve A. Johnson. This photo may not be used without the express written permission of the photographer.
Size:
Usually 7–10 in. (max. 13 in.)
Identification:
Body is grayish to reddish-brown and is marked with a faint light stripe down the spine, flanked by dark spots on either side. Crown of the head is brown-black, and the neck is marked with a wide light band followed by a dark band. It is similar to the Dekay’s Brownsnake found in the panhandle but has a dark spot below each eye. It is also similar to the Ring-necked Snake and crowned snakes, but its scales have obvious lengthwise ridges (keels). This snake gives birth to live young (does not lay eggs).
Habitats:
Found only in peninsular Florida in and around bottomland forests, hardwood hammocks, pinewoods, vegetated canals, and old agricultural areas. It is usually found in uplands near water, hiding under logs, boards, and other debris. It is sometimes encountered in gardens and yards in suburban neighborhoods.
Diet:
Earthworms, slugs, insects
Map by Monica E. McGarrity - may be used freely for education.