Eastern Smooth Earth Snake

Virginia valeriae valeriae

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

This 7 to 12 inch long snake has no distinctive markings. A small gray to tannish-gray snake that may be unpatterned or that might have 4 broken rows of tiny black dots on the dorsum. Belly white. Snout is more rounded than that of the rough earth snake. It has 15 rows of scales and a divided anal plate. Despite the reference to smooth scales posterior dorsal scales may be weakly keeled. Ovoviviparous. Neonates similar to adults. Use range to differentiate subspecies.

 

Unique Features:

None. It is often easier to identify this snake by ruling out similar species that it couldn’t be. Use range maps.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Seeks safety beneath leaf litter and other surface debris. Also search beneath fallen trees and beneath bark. Moist woodland, farms, vacant lots, even suburban yards. Primarily feeds on Earthworms, soft-bodied insects and their larvae

 

Geographic Range:

FL, GA, SC, AL, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA