Smooth Earth Snake
Virginia valeriae • Order: Squamata; Suborder: Serpentes; Family: Colubridae; Subfamily: Natricinae; Genus: Virginia; Species: Virginia valeriae
Eastern and Central United States, ranging from southern Iowa and Pennsylvania south to Texas and northern Florida. Often found in the Piedmont and Atlantic Coastal Plain.
Look up Smooth Earth Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata; Suborder: Serpentes; Family: Colubridae; Subfamily: Natricinae; Genus: Virginia; Species: Virginia valeriae
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN). However, they are sensitive to habitat loss and pesticide use which reduces their prey base.
Physical Description
A small, slender snake with smooth scales. Coloration is typically uniform gray, brown, or reddish-brown. The head is small and barely wider than the neck. They have small eyes with round pupils. Occasional tiny black flecks may be present on the dorsal surface.
Size & Dimensions
Typical adult size is 18–25 cm (7–10 inches). The specimen in the image appears to be an adult or sub-adult, measuring approximately 20 cm.
Habitat
Deciduous forests, open woodlands, and edge habitats. They are highly fossorial, typically found under leaf litter, logs, rocks, or garden mulch in moist environments.
Diet & Feeding
Specializes almost exclusively on earthworms. They may also occasionally consume soft-bodied insects or slugs. They use active foraging in moist soil and leaf litter.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Litters typically consist of 2 to 14 neonates, usually born in late summer (August or September).
Look-alikes
Rough Earth Snake (Haldea striatula) which has keeled scales and a more pointed snout; DeKay's Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) which has keeled scales and a distinct pattern of dark spots.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). However, they are sensitive to habitat loss and pesticide use which reduces their prey base.
Cultural Significance
Ecologically beneficial as they help control invertebrate populations in gardens and forests. They serve as a food source for larger predators like birds and larger snakes.
Notable Features
Unlike many of its relatives in the subfamily Natricinae, this species has smooth scales (hence the name), making it feel silky or waxy to the touch.