NON-VENOMOUS

Other common names

Brown Snake

Basic description

Most adult Dekay’s Brownsnakes are about 9-13 inches (23-33 cm) in total length. These snakes are small, thin, and may be grayish-brown or light brown. Adults have a faint light stripe running down the middle of the back that is boarded on both sides by parallel rows of small black spots, which may be connected across the back. The back of the neck and top of the head are dark brown, and there is a light band across the back of the head. Juveniles are dark brown with a whitish band across back of head.

small brown snake on fiber
Dekay’s Brownsnake. Photo courtesy mariapierce/iNaturalist

Range

Dekay’s Brownsnakes are found in the Panhandle west of the Aucilla River area.

Assessment of risk to people and pets

Non-venomous. Dekay’s Brownsnakes are not dangerous to people or pets.

Comparison with other species

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctata) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: Ring-necked snake - black snake coiled to show orange belly. Image 2: Dekay's Brownsnake - small brown snake on fiber.
Ring-necked snake showing belly pattern. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.
Dekay’s Brownsnake. Photo courtesy mariapierce/iNaturalist

Rough Earthsnake (Haldea striatula) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: Rough Earthsnake - brown snake coiled on a log. Image 2: Dekay's Brownsnake - small brown snake on fiber.
Rough Earthsnake. Photo courtesy J.D. Wilson
Dekay’s Brownsnake. Photo courtesy mariapierce/iNaturalist

Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: Red-bellied Snake - small orange snake with brown stripes. Image 2: Dekay's Brownsnake - small brown snake on fiber.
Red-bellied Snake. Photo courtesy of coluberconstrictor/iNaturalist
Dekay’s Brownsnake. Photo courtesy mariapierce/iNaturalist

Florida Brownsnake (Storeria victa) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: Florida Brownsnake - small brown snake with tan under neck. Image 2: Dekay's Brownsnake - small brown snake on fiber.
Florida Brownsnake. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.
Dekay’s Brownsnake. Photo courtesy mariapierce/iNaturalist

Smooth Earthsnake (Virginia valeriae) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: Smooth Earthsnake - gray snake with light lines. Image 2: Dekay's Brownsnake - small brown snake on fiber.
Smooth Earthsnake. Photo courtesy of cassiethegardener/iNaturalist
Dekay’s Brownsnake. Photo courtesy mariapierce/iNaturalist

Share your observations

You can help scientists better understand the biology and distribution of this species by sharing your observations. Send photos or videos of interesting observations, along with associated information, by emailing the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum for documentation in the Museum’s Herpetology Master Database. You can also post your observations on iNaturalist.

Additional helpful information

Do you have snakes around your house? Learn how to safely co-exist with snakes.

Still have questions about snakes or identifications? Feel free to email the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum with your questions or feedback on this profile.

Banner photo courtesy mariapierce/iNaturalist/CC-BY 4.0. Please credit any photographers on the page and see our copyright policy.