Red-bellied  Snake

Breeding:
Mates in spring or fall; 1-21 young. 2 ¾ - 4” long, are born June to September; mature in 2 years.

Habitat:
Mountainous or hilly woodland; sphagnum bogs. Sea level to 5,600’.

Range:
Extreme se. Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia, south to c. Florida and west to e. Texas. Isolated population in w. Sought Dakota and e. Wyoming.

Subspecies:
Northern, 3 neck spots distinct; all of range except Florida and South Dakota.
Florida, neck spots fused to form collar, top of head black; s. Georgia to c. Florida.
Black Hills, neck spots small or absent; Black Hills of w. South Dakota and e. Wyoming.

When startle or captured, this snake curls up its upper lip on one or both sides. In the
South, it is often found with the Smooth Earth Snake. Hides under lumber or debris around houses. Eats slugs, earthworms, and insects.