Florida's Snakes
Rough Earthsnake
(Virginia striatula)NON-VENOMOUS
Solid-colored
Rough Earthsnake
Photo by Dirk Stevenson. This photo may not be used without the express written permission of the photographer.
Size:
Up to ~12 in.
Identification:
Body is gray brown to brown and is unmarked. Head is small and pointed. Belly is pale cream-yellow. Juveniles may have a light collar. It is similar to the Smooth Earthsnake and Pine Woods Littersnake, but the scales along the spine have obvious lengthwise ridges (keels). This snake gives birth to live young (does not lay eggs).
Habitats:
Found in northern Florida and the western panhandle in dry hardwood forests and pinewoods. It spends most of its time under leaf litter or other debris.
Diet:
Earthworms
Map by Monica E. McGarrity - may be used freely for education.