Characteristics:
    This is a small snake only reaching a length of around 10in. They tend to be light brown or gray in color.  There is no distinct pattern and the belly of this snake is unmarked except for the occasionaly black flecks on the sides. The head of the smooth earthsnake is somewhat "cone-shaped", tapering to a point at the nose.

*Note:  One subspecies exists in this area, western earthsnake (V. v. elegans)


Habitat:
   These snakes are most frequently seen in open woods, floodplain forests, and rocky wooded hillsides. The prefer areas with lots of cover.


Behavior:
    This small, nondescript, snake is seldom seen due to its secretive habits. They spend most of their time under rocks and logs or moving though the leaf litter on the forest floor. They are generally nocturnal and are usually only seen moving around after rain. Mating occurs in May and live young are born in August. The smooth earthsnake eats primarily earthworms and other small invertebrates.


Personal Remarks:
    This small snake is one that we do not encounter that often. The Snake Road area is really the only place where we commonly find them. No offense to the earthsnakes, but this is probably the most boring looking snake we have in this area. They are dull brown with no markings. It is still an interesting find when we do see them though.