Smooth Earth Snake
(Virginia valeriae)
Baird & Girard 1853
Genus
Virginia
Species
valeriae
Subspecies
Western (elegans), Eastern (valeriae)
Common Name
Western Smooth Earth (elegans), Eastern Smooth Earth (valeriae)
Other Names
none
Conservation
Status
Global: G5 (valeriae),T5 (elegans)
Alabama: S5 (valeriae)
(What does this mean?)
Alabama Conservation Concern:
Western (V.v.elegans) Moderate P3, Eastern (V.v.valeriae) Lowest P5
Taxa with conservation problems because of insufficient data or because of two of four of the following: small populations; limited, disjunct, or peripheral distribution; decreasing population trend/population viability problems specialized habitat needs/habitat vulnerability due to natural/human caused factors. Research and/or conservation action recommended.
taxa that are demonstrably secure, with size of population stable/increasing, geographical distribution stable/expanding, population trend/population viability stable/increasing, relatively limited habitat vulnerability due to natural/human caused factors, or an unusual visitor to the state. No specific monitoring or conservation action needed.
Taxon
Virginia valeriae valeriae — GUYER et al. 2018
Virginia valeriae elegans — GUYER et al. 2018
Carphophis harperti DUMÉRIL, BIBRON & DUMÉRIL 1854: 135
Virginia elegans KENNICOTT 1859: 99
Virginia valeriae — GARMAN 1884: 98
Virginia harperti — GARMAN 1884: 99
Haldea valeriae — CAMPBELL 1962
Virginia valeriae — CONANT & COLLINS 1991: 173
Virginia valeriae — CROTHER 2000
Virginia valeriae valeriae — TENNANT & BARTLETT 2000
Virginia valeriae — WALLACH et al. 2014: 789
Virginia valeriae valeriae — GUYER et al. 2018
Subspecies
Virginia valeriae elegans KENNICOTT 1859
Virginia elegans KENNICOTT 1859: 99
Virginia elegans — JAN 1865
Virginia elegans — GARMAN 1884: 98
Virginia valeriae elegans — ALLEN 1932
Virginia valeriae elegans — DIXON 2000
Virginia valeriae elegans — TENNANT & BARTLETT 2000: 67
Virginia valeriae elegans — GUYER et al. 2018
Description:
Description
Scale distinction: Smooth to weakly keeled (most keeled near tail) dorsal scales in 15 rows (midbody). A divided anal plate
Shown in yellow. The scale or scales directly covering the…. Split subcaudial scales. 2 postocular scales, 2 internasal scales and 6 supralabial scales. Unlike the Rough Earth Snake (Haldea striatula) which has 17 rows keeled (midbody), 1 postocular scale, 1 internasal scale and 5 supralabial scales.
Habitat:
Habitat
Distribution:
distribution
Feeding Habits:
feeding habits
Breeding:
breeding habits
Ecology:
ecology
Status:
Status
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