Description: A very small brown or gray snake with faint stripes down its back. The belly is red, pink, or orange (without the double row of dots seen in the rare Kirtland's Snake.) Adult length: 8 to 16 inches.

Photo © Jim Harding

Habitat and Habits: Red-bellied Snakes inhabit both fields and woods, but are most often found under boards and other objects at the edges of lumber piles or trash dumps. They feed on worms, slugs, and snails.

Reproduction: Up to 12 tiny (3 to 4 inch long) snakes are born in the summer.

Range and Status: These snakes are locally common throughout Michigan.

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