Eastern Smooth Earthsnake

Virginia valeriae valeriae — Colubridae

7–10 inches

IUCN

Least Concern

Federal (US)

None

Virginia

None

VWAP Tier

Not Listed

Habitat

terrestrialforestfossorial

Found in Virginia

Statewide

How to identify

Small, 7–10 inches
Gray, brown, or reddish-brown above, plain or faintly speckled
Smooth scales
White or pale belly
Pointed head slightly distinct from neck

About this species

A tiny, plain, secretive snake found under logs and rocks in forested and suburban areas throughout Virginia, the smooth earthsnake is one of the most commonly encountered small snakes in gardens and yards. Despite this, many people don't know they exist. They are gray-brown with smooth scales and are completely harmless.

Often confused with

Eastern Wormsnake

Wormsnakes are glossier, more uniformly brown, with a salmon belly and a more blunt head; earthsnakes are grayer and have a slightly more pointed head

Northern Ring-necked Snake

Ring-necked snakes have a bright neck ring and colorful belly; earthsnakes are plain throughout

Did you know

"The smooth earthsnake's genus is named Virginia — the only snake in the world whose scientific genus name is a US state."

Sightings & citizen science

Help document Virginia wildlife by logging your sightings on iNaturalist. Every observation builds the conservation data that researchers and rehabbers depend on.

View Eastern Smooth Earthsnake observations on iNaturalist ↗

Found one injured?

If you've found an injured or displaced Eastern Smooth Earthsnake in Virginia, our triage guide walks you through what to do.

Triage guide →