Red-bellied Snake

Storeria occipitomaculata is a small woodland species that usually measures 4–10 in (10–25 cm) in total length (including tail). Its dorsal color ranges from orange to gray, black, or brown. It can be distinguished from other species by its bright red or orange underbelly. Many individuals have a light brown ring behind the head.

Storeria occipitomaculata prefers warmer habitats, and in the more northern limits of its range will inhabit abandoned ant mounds. These mounds absorb solar radiation and are insulated which allows for a longer active season. This species, with large eyes and a kinetic skull, is not able to burrow on its own effectively, and abandoned ant mounds allow it access to a warm retreat. Individuals of this species can be found under logs and leafy debris due to its secretive nature.

Storeria occipitomaculata bears live young by ovoviviparity. Studies of the redbelly snake have determined that it reproduces annually, and females have been found to be gravid during spring and early summer. While body size varies throughout the redbelly snake's geographic range, the average litter size tends to remain the same with an average of 7–9 young per litter. The redbelly snake begins mating at around two years of age and must be a minimum of 22 centimetres (8.7 in) in order to reach sexual maturity.

The specific name, occipitomaculata, is derived from the Latin words occiput which means "the back part of the head" and maculata meaning "spotted". The generic name, Storeria, of the monophyletic clade honors zoologist David Humphreys Storer.