Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Found on Snake Road in Shawnee National Forest 10 miles from Ann and Ware Illinois. Current debate is on whether it is a species of Tantilla or Storeria. Leaning more towards Storeria occipitomaculata or the Red-bellied snake. Underside was a bright copper color. Found among rotted, termite infested logs while walking. Very small as you can tell from the pic. Any positive ID is welcome. We've had one person look at the picture already and say it was a Storeria of some type.. but I want verification of species.

[img]http://www.abaddonsgate.com/lucian/animals/Snakes/Small1.jpg[/img

Any help is appreciated. Looking for correct ID primarily to check off on my list of North American snakes seen in person.
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Mel Goodrich
RavenCrest Reptiles: Sale and Rescue
drune@charter.net

~Updated animal list coming soon~

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Mel Goodrich
RavenCrest Reptiles: Sale and Rescue
drune@charter.net

~Updated animal list coming soon~

That is a Northern Redbelly(Storeria occipitomaculata),..some tend to be a little darker than that one, depending on the locality,etc... and some have slightly more pronounced striping as well,with lighter coppery bellies, but the head pattern is pure "Storeria", there's no question about that!..not a doubt!

best regards, ~Doug
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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

Looks like a DeKay's or brown snake.
Possibly redblly? Exact ssp. I'm unsure.
:Mark
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Surrender Dorothy!

www.crimsonking.funtigo.com