Scientific Name: Virginia valeriae valeriae
Size: 7-13 inches (18-33 cm) in length
PA Status: Species of special concern
Habitat Type:
Deciduous forest, open hardwood forest, wood/field borders. May be found under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and other surface debris.
Colorations:
Adults:
- The dorsal background is dark grey to dark brown.
- Four longitudinal rows of small black spots may be present.
- The chin and ventrals are white.
- Labial scales are white and may have dark mottling.
Juveniles:
- Similar to adults.
Characteristics:
- Small stout-bodied with short tail.
- The head is short , cone-shaped and is not distinct from the body.
- The dorsal scales are smooth and polished.
Scale Counts:
- 15 (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:
- Mountain 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. 343-345pp.
- Ernst, Carl H. and Ernst, Evelyn M. ,2003. Snakes of the United States and Canada. 448-451pp.
Photo Credits:
- Scott Moser