Florida's Snakes thumbnail photo of snake identification guide cover

Smooth Earthsnake
(Virginia valeriae)

NON-VENOMOUS

solid color icon
Solid-colored


Smooth Earthsnake

photo of smooth earthsnake showing brown body and smooth scales

 Photo by John Jensen. This photo may not be used without the express written permission of the photographer

Size:

Usually 7 – 13 in. (max. 15 in.)

Identification:

Body is reddish brown, brown, or gray and may be marked with speckles. Head is small and pointed. Back of head may be marked with a faint pale collar. Belly is usually pale but may be gray, tan, or brown. Scales are smooth. This snake gives birth to live young (does not lay eggs).

Habitats:

Found in northwestern peninsular Florida and in the panhandle in moist hardwood forests, pinewoods, and suburban yards with leaf litter. Also found in an isolated population in central Florida (see map) in similar habitats and also in scrubs. It spends most of its time burrowed under rocks, logs, and other debris.

Diet:

Earthworms, snails, insects

map showing that smooth earthsnakes are found in northwestern Florida and in an isolated population in central Florida

Map by Monica E. McGarrity - may be used freely for education.


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