Aspects
of the Ecology of the Earth Snakes (Virginia valeriae and V.
striatula) in the Upper Coastal Plain
Brian D. Todd, John D. Willson, Christopher T. Winne, and J. Whitfield
Gibbons
The University
of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802
Abstract:
Relatively little is known about the ecology and population biology of
Virginia striatula (Rough Earth Snake) and Virginia valeriae
(Smooth Earth Snake), especially in the southeastern portion of their
geographic ranges. We studied populations of the two species on the Savannah
River Site (SRS) in Aiken, SC from 1971 to 2007. We found sexual size
dimorphism in both species, in which females were longer and heavier than
males, but had relatively shorter tails. Overall, Rough Earth Snakes were
longer and heavier than Smooth Earth Snakes, but maximum sizes of both
species were smaller on the SRS than at other localities from which data
are reported. Additionally, all gravid female Smooth Earth Snakes that
we captured on the SRS were smaller than their reported size at sexual
maturity from other parts of their range. Seasonal activity of Smooth
Earth Snakes peaked in May and October, but both Smooth Earth Snakes and
Rough Earth Snakes were frequently captured during all warm months. Distinct
age classes in the two species were not readily apparent other than several
neonates that we captured. We strongly encourage future studies to determine
growth rates, longevity, and minimum size at sexual maturity of earth
snakes in the Southeast.
SREL Reprint #3066
Todd, B.
D., J. D. Willson, C. T. Winne, and J. W. Gibbons. 2008. Aspects of the
Ecology of the Earth Snakes (Virginia valeriae and V. striatula)
in the Upper Coastal Plain. Southeastern Naturalist 7(2): 349-358.
