Hobbies And Interests
History and Habitat
Red-bellied snakes are a species located in areas ranging from eastern North Dakota to Nova Scotia, in southern states down to Florida and in western areas all the way to east Texas. The snakes thrive in a mixed woodlands with a damp and cool environment. Red-bellied snakes will also occupy the grasslands and dry areas near woodlands. Bark, rocks, shrubbery and tree logs are favorite hiding spots of the red-bellied snake.
Color
According to Nova Scotia Snakes, the red-bellied snake has a complex color. The color on its back and sides is made up of three different shades that can include olive green. Additionally, the snake can be colored tan, grey or even black. Its belly is typically a bright red color. Its head has a collar made up of three light spots along the neck. A small snake, an adult will grow to be between 8 and 16 inches long.
Prey
Red-bellied snakes are typically active during the daytime but will come out at night during hot and dry weather. After some rainfall, the snake is more active in order to capture its prey. A common diet consists of slugs, snails, earthworms and other small insects. The snake's teeth are curved in a specialized manner in order to hold on to the gastropods it eats. Red-bellied snakes are non-poisonous and pose no threat to humans.
Predators
According to the University of Michigan, red-bellied snakes are valuable prey to a host of predators. American crows, milk snakes, hawks, shrews, ground squirrels, domestic cats and raccoons are all consistent predators of the red-bellied snake. When threatened, the red-bellied snake flattens its body and curls its upper lip to provide a warning. If caught, the snake emits a foul smelling substance onto its predator. Some snakes are even capable of playing dead if attacked.