Harmless · North Carolina
Smooth Earthsnake
Virginia valeriae
Small, plain earthsnake with smooth scales.
At a glance
Size
Usually 7-11 inches.
North Carolina range
Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Habitat
woodlands, leaf litter, rocky slopes
Diet
Mostly earthworms and soft-bodied insects.
Pattern
solid
Venomous
No
How to identify it
Small plain gray or brown snake with smooth scales, tiny dark flecks, and a small head.
Where to look in North Carolina
Scattered across the Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain.
Woodlands, rocky slopes, leaf litter, and areas beneath cover.
Regional maps show broad physiographic provinces, not county-level records.
Photo guide
Use the gallery to check pattern, body shape, and context—not just overall color.
