Rough Earth Snake (Virginia striatula)

March 6, 2007 Austin, Texas

Non-Poisonous; Harmless to Humans & Pets; Inoffensive

Photographed by K. Andrews

The rough earth snake (Virginia striatula) is dark gray, nearly black, olive, or, as in this specimen, reddish brown in color.  Though many other snakes are similarly colored, V. striatula  has a distinctively pointed, cone-shaped head.  To get a complete sense of this feature we'd have to see this specimen's side view, which is not provided (the photographer has been asked to provide one but was unable to do so). The pointed snout is clearly visible, as is the uniform coloration.

Note that the head appears only slightly wider than the neck.  In some specimens a pale mark extends across the back of the snake's head, and in others two or more small white spots show on the dorsal head, though these marks are more common in juveniles than in mature specimens. Belly coloration is paler than the dorsum and sides, and ranges from cream, pale yellow, white, green, to pink.

V. striatula is one of our smallest snakes, and at maturity is no more than 7-10 inches in length. The record is only 12.75 inches.  It is a common snake in Texas, though it is more common in the eastern half of the state.  It prefers damp, wooded areas, but is found in rocky hillsides and in populated housing developments as well.  It feeds on invertebrates, including earthworms (a favorite of this snake), slugs, snails, sowbugs, small insects, insect eggs, and insect larvae.

This snake is harmless, and inoffensive to humans or their pets.  It is beneficial, and can be released in one's yard with a clear conscience.

Note: the photo below was sent in by Mr. Andrews on March 8.  It shows the dorsal head more plainly, and the large scales on that portion of the body, but it still doesn't show the cone-shaped head clearly.  It is a beautiful specimen.

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