Smooth earth snakes (Virginia valeriae) grow to be 7 to 10 inches (18-25.4 cm). They are most often found hiding beneath logs, leaf litter, or other debris and eat earthworms and soft-bodied insects. This species is viviparous, giving live birth to as many as 14 little snakes in the late summer.

This snake was discovered in one of the native plant demonstration gardens at Elms. Some visiting 7th graders enjoyed the find. Oct. 15th 2012.