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Genus: Storeria Scales: Keeled Anal Plate: Divided Texas Brown Snakes are one of five subspecies of the Northern Brown Snake. Texas subspecies is found in the central states, from Minnesota to most of Texas. Brown Snakes live in a broad range of habitat, such as woodlands and agriculture fields. Brown snakes grow to around a foot in length. Like the closely related Red-bellied Snakes, Brown Snakes eat soft bodied invertebrates such as snails, slugs and earthworms. Small amphibians may also be included in their diet (Ernst & Ernst 2003). Breeding usually occurs in late spring to early summer, but this species is known to store sperm so fall mating can occur. The gestation time is two to two and a half months. Litter sizes are usually some where ten or so neonates. Brown snakes, like Garter Snakes and Earth snakes, are often found by urbanites. They find a niche in gardens and abandoned lots. Like a few species of reptiles (Painted Turtles, Snapping Turtles), Brown snakes seem to do better in disturbed habitats. In the northern parts of its range, this species is known to hibernate in large groups. They may also share hibernaculums with other species of snakes (Dixon & Werler 2000). This species was named in honor of James Ellsworth Dekay (1792-1851). He worked for the New York Geological Survey and wrote a five volumes about the natural history of New York state. |
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