Rough Earthsnake - Virginia Snake Removal

Rough Earthsnake Conservation - Least Concern

Scientific Name: Haldea striatula

Range: Southeast Virginia

Also Known As: Striped Ground Snake, Brown Snake

Venomous: No

Features: Small Snake with Brown, Gray, or Reddish Body

Prey: Earthworms, Small Soft Insects

Litter Size: 3 - 8 per Birth

Life Span: 7 Years (In Captivity)

Length: 7 - 10 Inches

Reproduction

Rough Earthsnake Description

Rough Earthsnake Appearance

The main body of the snake is brown, gray, or reddish, with a light tan or whitish belly. These snakes are often confused for De Kay’s Brown snake frequently. the best way to spot the difference between the two is that the Rough Earthsnake has a solid body, while the De Kay’s Brown Snake has light brown or dark markings on its back.

Size

This snake is usually between 7 to 10 inches long, however, the record length for this snake is about 13 inches. The record found in Virginia is 11.6 inches.

Juveniles tend to be 3 to 4 inches long.

It might be hard to identify the stripes as the glossy colors tend to hide them unless you see them from a certain angle

Rough Earthsnake Behavior

These Earthsnakes are not aggressive to humans and will not bite even when handled. When threatened this snake will choose to freeze, or try to escape rather than to bite.

These snakes are secretive and solitary. They hide underground and hide under rocks, logs, and other debris. They are diggers and use their pointed snout to dig in the ground to either hide or to search for their favorite prey, earthworms.

It is illegal in Virginia to keep Wild Snakes as pets

Range and Habitat of The Rough Earthsnake

Range

These snakes can be found found in southeastern Virginia, but can sometimes be found outside their range. These snakes’ range extends all the way down to central Texas, with Virginia and central Missouri being it’s northern range.

Habitat

These snakes are diggers and prefer to hide underneath logs, rocks, gardens, and home debris. These snakes like forested areas with a lot of cover on the ground. These snakes can also be found in urban or suburban areas if there is plenty of ground to hide in.