Florida Brownsnake
Storeria victa
A small, thin snake that averages 7-10 inches in length. It has a small head with a blunt snout, and mildly keeled scales. Its body is brown with 2 rows of tiny dark spot…
How to identify
A small, thin snake that averages 7-10 inches in length. It has a small head with a blunt snout, and mildly keeled scales. Its body is brown with 2 rows of tiny dark spots down either side of its spine, and a lighter brown stripe between these rows of spots. There are black triangles on each side of the neck, sometimes connecting to form a collar. Proximal to the black triangles are 2 light patches that extend to the sides of the snake's face. The top of its head and snout are darker brown. It may also have black patches under its eyes. Ventrum is tan or pink with dark spots along the edges.
Range
Endemic to Florida and southern Georgia.
Habitat
A burrowing snake that likes to hide under logs, rocks, or other natural debris. Lives in hardwood or pine forests, or near ponds, bogs, swamps, or marshes.
Variations
Some individuals lack the black neck markings, and the light patches on the face may be subtle and undefined. Their brown body coloration may have a reddish hue, or they may be greyish instead of brown.
Similar species
Most similar to the Dekay's brownsnake (*Storeria dekayi*) which has a much larger range, mostly outside of Florida.
Name and etymology
Victa: Latin for victim, referencing the holotype specimen was recovered from the stomach of a coral snake.
At a glance
Range
Endemic to Florida and southern Georgia.
Habitat
A burrowing snake that likes to hide under logs, rocks, or other natural debris. Lives in hardwood or pine forests, or near p…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap