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