Dorsally Smooth earth snakes are benzo brown, deep brownish drab, mars brown, or light brownish drab. The first row of dorsal scales is colored like the adjacent ventrals, which are light vinaceous-fawn, pale vinaceous-fawn, pale grayish vinaceous, or pale vinaceous-pink. The top of the head is hair brown or like the dorsum, with many dark spots on the plates. The upper labials are ecru-drab or lighter, some with drab-gray spots. There is a small black ring around the eye. The ventral surface of the head is white. Sometimes a faint median light line is present. Also, there may be tiny black spots on the back and sides, especially in the nominate race (Virginia valeriae valeriae).
Smooth earth snakes can be found from Texas and Iowa to New Jersey and Florida. They inhabit pine and hardwood forests and forest edges, pine woodlands, grassy slopes and hillsides, wooded areas near wetlands, brushlands, fields, and can occur near suburban areas.
Smooth earth snakes are secretive creatures that often hide under rocks, logs, rocks, leaf litter, and other debris. They are fossorial and may also spend much of their time buried in loose soil. Smooth earth snakes are typically active at night. They are usually seen singly but may hibernate communally during cold months of the year. They are generally not aggressive towards humans and are harmless if encountered. They do not have teeth but the size of their mouth and teeth allow them to make any strikes against humans superficial at worst. They may defecate as a defense mechanism to make themselves less palatable to would-be predators. If necessary, they can be safely picked up by hand and relocated.
Smooth earth snakes are carnivores. They eat primarily earthworms and soft-bodied arthropods.
Female Smooth earth snakes are viviparous and give birth to live young in August. Brood size is usually fewer than 10 and the total length of a newborn is about 6 cm (about 2.5 in).
Smooth earth snakes do not face any major threats at present but in some areas of their range, they suffer from the loss of their habitat due to deforestation and expansion of agricultural, industrial, and residential development.
According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Smooth earth snake is unknown but presumably exceeds 100,000 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
