Rough Earth Snake
Haldea striatula • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Haldea, Species: Haldea striatula
Found throughout the Southeastern United States, from Virginia south to northern Florida, and west to Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
Look up Rough Earth Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous and lacks fangs.
Danger Level
Harmless. These snakes are physically incapable of causing significant harm to humans or pets and rarely even attempt to bite when handled.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Haldea, Species: Haldea striatula
Conservation
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Generally common, though susceptible to local declines due to pesticide use and habitat destruction.
Physical Description
A small, slender snake with a relatively pointed snout. Coloration is typically uniform brown, grayish-brown, or reddish-brown. The scales are heavily keeled (ridged), and the belly is usually plain white, cream, or light tan. Eyes are small with round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen pictured appears to be an adult, approximately 7-10 inches in length. Typical adult size range is 7 to 10 inches (18–25 cm), with a maximum recorded length of about 12.75 inches.
Habitat
Fossorial (burrowing) species typically found in moist deciduous forests, edges of woodlands, and gardens. Often found under leaf litter, logs, or debris in urban and suburban areas.
Behavior & Temperament
Secretive and docile. Mostly active during the day (diurnal) or crepuscular periods but remains hidden underground or under cover. In defense, they may musk but almost never bite.
Diet & Feeding
Specializes in eating earthworms but may also consume slugs or soft-bodied insect larvae. They use active foraging in soil and leaf litter to find prey.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young) rather than laying eggs. Typical litter size is 3 to 8 neonates, usually born in late summer (July to September).
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Smooth Earth Snake (Virginia valeriae) which has smooth scales and a more rounded snout; DeKay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) which has dark spots on the back and a patterned head.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Generally common, though susceptible to local declines due to pesticide use and habitat destruction.
Cultural Significance
Highly beneficial in gardens as they act as natural pest control for slugs and provide food for larger birds and mammals. They are often the most common snake found in American suburban backyards.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its heavily keeled scales and five labial scales on the upper lip. It is one of the few North American colubrids that is viviparous, an adaptation often seen in cooler climates or specialized niches.