Non-poisonous Snakes Identification

Earth snake (Virginia valeriae)

Adults average 7-13 inches. The record is 15.38 inches. A small brown or reddish brown snake with a plain white or yellowish belly. May have tiny dark flecks on back, either scattered or in 4 rows. The head is small with a somewhat pointed snout. There are 15 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The scales are smooth, though faint keels may be present near the tail. Also, tiny faint lines on some scales may give the appearance of keels. The pupils are round.

It ranges from Florida north to New Jersey and west Alabama, extreme northeastern Mississippi, and Ohio.

Found in the leaf litter and under logs in mesic hammocks and pine woodlands, particularly near marshes and other damp areas.

Feeds primarily on earthworms, but takes other small invertebrates such as insects and snails. Spends most of the time underground. Seen at the surface most often in the cooler months. The eastern earth snake bears live young. Litters of 7-10 young are born in summer. They are 3-4.5 inches at birth.