Rough earth snake

The Rough earth snake is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

The Rough Earth Snake (Virginia striatula) is a species of non-venomous colubrid snake native to the southeastern United States, from Texas to Florida, as far north as Missouri and Virginia. It was first described by Carolus Linnaeus in 1766, as Coluber striatulus. More

image of Rough Earth SnakeThe rough earth snake is a close relative of the western earth snake and is extremely similar in appearance. More

Description: The rough earth snake has a solid brown or gray back and a light colored belly. It may have a pale band across the back of its small head. Rough earth snakes are very small and are characterized by their “rough” or keeled scales. More

rough earth snake has none. Persons with little experience with snakes don't need much of an excuse to wield the shovel, rake, or hoe; that's good when the snake is venomous, but it's unfortunate when the snake is harmless and beneficial. More

Behavior: Rough earth snake have never been known to bite. Response when discovered on the ground is to lie motionless or play possum when disturbed. Feeding: The diet of such a small snake consists largely of invertebrate prey. More

Rough earth snake: Left to right: Side of the head; front (face view) of the head. Range: This species occurs in the western half of the panhandle and in northern peninsular Florida. More

Rough earth snake: Left to right: Top of the head (notice the large plate-like scales on the top of the head); underside of the head (chin and throat). Image of side of rough earth snake head. More

The Rough Earth Snake is a somewhat common snake found throughout Harris County, and is highly variable in color, ranging from browns to tans and even brick reds. More

I found my first rough earth snake in my own backyard in February-the outside air temperature was in the 30s (Fahrenheit). It was under some bricks taking shelter from the weather. I put the snake into a clear plastic tub to get pictures. More

Range (see map below): The Rough Earth Snake is distributed throughout the southeastern United States from Virginia in the east, southward to northern Florida, and westward to eastern Texas. The northern range included southern Missouri. Habitat: This species is found in a variety of wooded areas. More

In Alabama, rough earth snakes are fairly common throughout the Coastal Plain and lower portions of the Piedmont, Blue Ridge, and Ridge and Valley regions. They are absent from northeastern portions of the Appalachian Plateau and Ridge and Valley regions. More

Rough Earth Snakes have keeled scales. Smooth Earth Snakes may be found throughout South Carolina. Rough Earth Snakes may be found in most of South Carolina, except for the upper Piedmont and Mountains. They may occur more abundantly in localize areas. More

Description: The Rough Earth Snake is a small - 7-10 inches (18-25 cm) More

The Rough Earth Snake is brown or gray brown, with no pattern above. The underside is light yellow or cream. The head is small with pointed snout, and there may be a faint light ring round the neck. More

Common names

Rauhe Erdschlange in German - Deutsch
rough earth snake in English - English
Rough Earthsnake in English - English