Scientific Name: Virginia valeriae pulchra
Size: 7-13 inches (18-33 cm) in length
PA Status: Species of special concern
Habitat Type:
Hardwood or mixed hardwood - conifer forest in upland regions. Steep hillsides with rocky cover and second growth vegetation. Mainly found under rocks.
Colorations:
Adults:
- The dorsal background is reddish brown, brown, to grey.
- The dorsal has small black dots that form longitudinal rows that may or may not be present.
- The ventral is white to pale yellow and often times bordered with pink.
- The head coloration is the same or darken that the dorsal and becomes white to grey on the supralabials.
- The eyes are bordered with black.
- The infralabials and chin are white but may have maculation on the anterior of the chin and infralabials.
Juveniles:
- Similar to adults.
Characteristics:
- Small stout-bodied with short tail.
- The head is short and pointed and is not distinct from the body.
- The dorsal scales are slightly keeled and may appear smooth.
Scale Counts:
- 17 scale rows at midbody.
- 15 scale rows at anterior.
- 17 scale rows near the tail.
- 107-134 ventral scales
- 22-45 subcaudals scales | 2 rows of subcaudals
- 2 nasal scales
- 1 long horizonal loreal scale
- 0 preocular scales
- 2 postoculars scales
- 1 + 2 temporal scales
- 6 supralabials
- 6 infralabials
- Anal plate is divided
Confused with:
- Eastern Smooth Earth Snake
- Brown Snake
Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults
Range Map:
References:
- Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 341-343pp.
Photo Credits:
- Rex Evertt