Eastern Smooth Earthsnake

Scientific Name: Virginia valeriae valeriae
Size: 7 - 13 inches (18 - 33 cm)
Status: Species of special concern

Habitat:
Deciduous forest, open hardwood forest, wood/field borders. May be found under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and other surface debris.

Description:
Small fossorial species mostly plain gray, brown or reddish brown with scattered small black dots or flecks. The belly is unmarked white or yellow in color. Scales smooth with a divided anal plate. Juveniles are similar to adults. Rare in Pennsylvania having not been observed in recent years. Found under various cover objects.

Adult Coloration:
  • 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.
Adult 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.
Juvenile Characteristics:
  • Similar to adults.
Scale Count:
  • 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
Range:

May be Confused With:
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.
Credits:
  • Scott Moser
  • Kyle Loucks
  • Brandon Ruhe
  • Marlin Corn
  • Don Becker (psychoticnature.com)
  • Andrew Hoffman

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