Reptiles of North Carolina
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NC Records

Virginia valeriae - Smooth Earthsnake


Photo: Erich Hofmann, Kayla Weinfurther
Taxonomy
Class: Reptilia Order: Serpentes Family: Colubridae Subfamily: Natricinae Other Common Name(s): Smooth Earth Snake
Taxonomic Comments: Virginia, as currently considered, is a monotypic genus of small, secretive natricid snakes endemic to the eastern and central United States. Previously, the rough earthsnake (Haldea striatula) was classified as "Virginia striatula" (see species account for Haldea striatula for more information). No comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Virginia has been completed, though it has been included in larger-scale phylogenies (e.g., McVay and Carstens, 2013; McVay et al., 2015). The taxonomy of V. valeriae remained largely stable over the past century and a half (see Powell et al. [1992] for further reading).
Species Comments: Virginia valeriae, the Smooth Earthsnake, is the sole representative of this genus. It is found primarily in the southeastern United States, ranging from Texas east to the Atlantic coast, and from the Florida Panhandle north to Pennsylvania. In North Carolina, it is presumed to range across much of the state, especially the Piedmaont and southern Coastal Plain, but scattered records suggest its absence from northwestern NC and parts of the northern Coastal Plain.

Three subspecies are traditionally recognized based on differences in dorsal scale row counts and location: V. v. valeriae (the Eastern Smooth Earthsnake) from the Florida panhandle and Alabama east to the Atlantic coast (including North Carolina); V. v. pulchra (the Mountain Earthsnake) in a small strip of the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia and Pennsylvania; and V. v. elegans (the Western Smooth Snake) west of the Mississippi River to Texas, and north into Illinois and Iowa.

The generic epithet Virginia is derived from the Latin virgo (virgin), perhaps in reference to the state of Virginia. The specific epithet valeriae is a patronym honoring the collector of the holotype, Ms. Valeria Blaney.

Taxonomic References: Powell et al. (1992)
Identification
Description: Smooth Earthsnakes are small snakes with relatively stout bodies and cone-shaped/pointed heads approximately as wide as their neck. Their dorsum is a uniform gray/greenish gray, sometimes brownish, with a scattering of small black dots arranged in four longitudinal rows that may be overlooked. Occasionally, pale longitudinal lines may be seen. The venter is cream/plain white and unmarked. The top of the head is continuous with the dorsal coloration, while the labials and underside of the head are continuous with the ventral coloration, occasionally with some black spotting on the posterior supralabials. Neonates are typically darker than adults.
Morphological Features: Smooth Earthsnakes typically have 15 smooth scale rows with no reduction down the body. Ventral counts range from 107-134 (NC specimens: 107-126; Palmer and Braswell, 1995), with 20-45 (20-39) subcaudals and a divided anal plate. Head scale counts are typically as follows: 6 supralabials, 6 infralabials, 2 nasals, 2 internasals, 1 elongated loreal, 0 preoculars, 2 postoculars, and 1+2 temporals. Palmer and Braswell (1995) noted some variation in scalation across multiple specimens in NC.

These are small snakes, with a maximum reported total length of 39.3 cm (15.5 inches). Tail lengths range from 11-24% of total length. Females typically reach larger size than males, have smaller average tail lengths relative to body, and average more ventral scales and fewer subcaudal scales. Males are smaller on average but with longer tails relative to body length, meaning fewer ventrals and more subcaudals.

Smooth Earthsnakes do not possess grooved posterior teeth and lack enlarged fangs or any capacity to produce venom. They are completely harmless to humans and pets, and almost never attempt to bite. When captured, they typically writhe about, releasing musk and feces.
Technical Reference: Powell et al. (1992); Palmer and Braswell (1995); Ernst and Ernst (2003).
Field Guide Descriptions: Palmer and Braswell (1995); Ernst and Ernst (2003); Beane et al. (2010).
Online Photos:    Google   iNaturalist   GBIF
Observation Methods: Smooth Earthsnakes may be sampled using drift fences with pitfall traps and cover objects. They may be incidentally encountered under cover objects, and within rotting logs and fallen trees.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution Reference: Palmer and Braswell (1995); Ernst and Ernst (2003); Beane et al. (2010)
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Key Habitat Requirements
Habitat: Smooth Earthsnakes occur in a wide variety of forested habitats and woodland edges across the state. These include both hardwood and pine-dominated habitats and they can be found in semi-wooded urban and suburban neighborhoods (Palmer and Braswell, 1995; Beane et al., 2010). While they can be found in open fields, they do not appear to use herblands as their primary habitat.
Biotic Relationships: Earthworms are the primary food of Smooth Earthsnakes and are often the only food item found in dietary studies of the species, though various other arthropods have been reported (including slugs and soft-bodied insect larvae; Brown, 1979; Palmer and Braswell, 1995).

Documented predators of Smooth Earthsnakes include ophiophagous snakes (racers, kingsnakes, and coralsnakes), birds (titmice, thrushes) and domestic cats (Greene, 1984; Palmer and Braswell, 1995; Pitts et al., 1999; Ernst and Ernst, 2003; Moorman and Beane, 2010).
Life History and Autecology
Breeding and Courtship: Sexual maturity is reached at body lengths greater than 18 cm. Mating may occur in the spring (March to May) but is poorly documented. Todd et al. (2008c) suggested mating may occur in summer or early fall based on male-biased August capture data.
Reproductive Mode: Smooth Earthsnakes are viviparous; young are typically born in late summer (July to September). Litters average 7 neonates.

Neonates are approximately 8–10 cm in total length and weigh less than 1 g on average. Neonates are typically darker than adults.
Terrestrial Life History: Smooth Earthsnakes are secretive, semi-fossorial, and crepuscular/nocturnal; they are most often encountered under surface cover in the daytime and are almost chiefly terrestrial. They have been recorded February–November in North Carolina, but most activity occurs in the spring (April and May) and fall (September and October). They may hibernate underground or within rotting logs, mammal burrows, compost piles, and similar.

Home range estimates are not known for this species. Movements between recaptures for marked individuals in Kansas ranged from 20–150 m (Pisani, 2009).
General Ecology
Adverse Environmental Impacts
Habitat Loss: Clearcutting forests is known to have significant negative effects on Smooth Earthsnakes, while partial canopy thinning may lead to increased abundance (Todd and Andrews, 2008).
Status in North Carolina
NHP State Rank: S3
Global Rank: G5
Status in North Carolina: W2

Photo Gallery for Virginia valeriae - Smooth Earthsnake

3 photos are shown.

Recorded by: Erich Hofmann and Kayla Weinfurther
New Hanover Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Erich Hofmann and Kayla Weinfurther
Jones Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Erich Hofmann and Kayla Weinfurther
Jones Co.
Comment: