It has a much darker color than the eastern variety. Carphophis amoenus can be found in While some may startle you, some may just kick your terror…, The Eastern Hognose snake, named that way due to its upturned snout, is commonly found in parts of North America. The population ecology of C. a. amoenus has not been studied in Virginia. It can also eat other soft-bodied larvae or insects. does not appear to be included in the intergrade zone between these two subspecies. The clutch size varies according to the size and age of the female. Sexual Dimorphism: Average adult SVL was greater in combinations of 4-6 (2.6%); loreal present and contacts eye; no preoculars; postoculars 1/1; Carphophis amoenus (Eastern Worm Snake) is a species of snakes in the family colubrid snakes. Hoffman, 1945a, 1953; Werler and McCallion, 1951). scales averaged less in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Ridge and Valley provinces (150.6 ± In Kansas, Clark (1970) found spermatozoa in the reproductive tracts of Conant and This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It is a small species with a specific brown-colored body. Size: A small sized snake measuring 7.5 to 13.5 inches. What a cool herping find. The Worm Snake gets its name because it resembles an earthworm. Cottonmouth snakes are large and venomous snakes which are found in aquatic areas. It looks like an earthworm because of its small size and color. smooth, scale rows 13 (100%, n = 166) at midbody; anal plate divided; infralabials usually 6/6 (96.7%, n = 152) In winters, it hibernates. horns on their heads." Clifford (1976) noted that 21 of 278 snakes reported to him between sexes (males 157.2 ± 5.7, 143-176, n = 81; females 156.0 ± 6.2, 133-166, n = 77). snakes seen on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1969 and eggs (2-6) (C. H. Ernst, pers. Eastern Wormsnakes The head is small and blunt with no distinction from the body. The Division of Wildlife’s mission is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. A study of the worm snake, Carphophis amoenus, Say in Kentucky. Worm snakes strikingly resemble worms. The Eastern Wormsnake occurs in the Great Valley and Unaka Mountains of east Tennessee, while the Midwestern Wormsnake occurs across the rest of the state. movements. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. The eastern worm snake is a small, shiny brownish black snake that resembles an earthworm. May-August. Eastern worm snakes are found in the eastern U.S., from southern New England to central Georgia and west to the Mississippi River. Prey are eaten alive. which means "straw" or The back (dorsal) of the snake is brownish or charcoal or dark grayish. Rappahannock County that may have pertained to this species. fingers with their head and pointed tail. including logs, tree bark, boards, rocks, and trash, as well as in moist logs and stumps. These cookies do not store any personal information. Basically, it is found in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, southern Arizona, southern Connecticut, southern Massachusetts, and the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee. Wright and Wright (1957) listed This pattern also held for both males and females separately. "chaff" and ophios which means "snake". in 1825 by Thomas Say. Their light belly coloration extends partially up onto their sides. ❏ It is observed that if this snakes is held by humans, it will use its head and pointed tail to slip and slide between the fingers and run away. It’s unlikely that more than 50 people have ever seen one under natural conditions. As you go west from the river, a similar (more colorful) western worm snake can be found. In short, it can be found at places where it gets it food; be it fields, forest, or backyards. Description: Habitat: Life History: Range: Additional Notes: Behavior: Subspecies Occurring in Tennessee: C. a. amoenus (Eastern Wormsnake) and C. a. helenae (Midwestern Wormsnake) Distribution of the Eastern Wormsnake in Tennessee: On occasion a specimen of up to 15” is founded. If seen, it is normally below dead plants or under rocks. females (202.3 ± 24.3 mm, 166-275, n = 62) than males (181.8 ± 20.2 mm, 141-237, n = comm.). The worm snake is an unpatterned brown snake with a pink belly, pointed head and small eyes. Worm snakes appear to mate in the fall. The continued existence of this It is a fossorial snake, which means that it burrows into the soil most of the time. It might try to pierce its sharp tail, but it is of no harm. with a brown dorsum and pink venter. Known egg-laying dates in Virginia are between 20 June and 17 July. This small burrowing snake shares a superficial resemblance to an earthworm. amoenus helenae. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Allard (1945) found an all-pink female in Arlington. The worm snake is covered with smooth scales, which give it a shiny, iridescent appearance. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. snake. Remains of worms were found in 61% of the 36 snakes Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. If harassed, it will often release foul smelling musk from its cloaca. Burger (1975) identified a single specimen he found in Lee County in 1958 as Carphophis This Eastern Worm snake is a lot more impressive in person than I thought, it has a spike on its tail!. The belly is pink. These eggs are laid under rocks or inside logs or stumps. ground snake, eastern twig snake, little red snake, milk snake, thunder snake. examined for stomach contents. Its love for hiding makes it very difficult to spot. Eastern Wormsnakes are oviparous, laying 2-6 eggs (ave. = 3.6 ± 0.9, n = 26) in mounds of humus or The maximum length of this species is 7” inches to 12” inches. The Eastern worm snake is one of the non-venomous colubrid species. species in areas of rapid urbanization requires tracts of forested land with a natural leaf Also, the juveniles have a darker pink underside. This snake is seldom found in an active state on the surface and Clifford (1981) mentioned toads (Anaxyrus spp.) The Eastern worm snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus) is a nonvenomous colubrid found in the Eastern United States. Their shy nature makes them suitable for beginners and snake lovers. A. G. Smith (1948) found that 6 of 17 worm snakes from Middlesboro, was 140 mm SVL. and Carphophis amoena (Dunn, 1920, 1936; Lynn, 1936; Richmond and Goin, 1938; Uhler et al, 1939; The belly coloration often extends slightly onto the sides of … Linzey and Clifford Hatchlings averaged 86.4 ± 3.8 mm SVL (79-92, n = 16), Martin (1976) reported that only 5 of 545 They have a tiny head and tail with a … Oppossums, foxes, toads, cats, and skunks are some of the other predators of this snake. Segregating facts from fiction, the following king snake facts give you a real deal on the world of reptiles. ➨ In our ecosystem, these snakes help control the worm or insect population. This article will provide you with important facts on these snakes. Reproduction is dioecious. Others have keeled scales. Collins (1991) illustrated the distributions of these geographic races, although they The body is generally light to dark brown on the dorsum and pink to white below. Good burrowers and will go underground during dry seasons. four specimens from the George Washington National Forest. Very little is known about these secretive snakes. The hatchlings are only 3 – 4 inches in length. underground reptiles supplies some of the best snakes for sale in the world!we have one of the greatest selections you will find including pythons, boa constrictors, colubrids, hognose snakes, garter snakes … Eastern Worm Snake Carphophis amoenus Home Back to the Snakes photo by Jeff Humphries Adams Co., Ohio Species Description: Worm snakes attain a length of about 12 inches (30 cm). = 165); subcaudals 14-40 (ave. = 31.4 ±5.1,n = 159); ventrals + subcaudals 133-176 (156.6 ± 6.0, n = 158); dorsal scales It is a small snake ranging from 7 to 12 inches in length. Here is an information about this species including its habitat,…. females of C. vermis April-May and late August to October. total length of 337 mm (13.3 inches) (Conant and Collins, 1991). I found a Home range, movement, and activity of the eastern worm snake, Carphophis amoenus amoenus. The tail of a worm snake has a very sharp point on the end, which it normally uses to aid in burrowing inside the dirt. As their name suggests, they feed on worms, but will also take other insects with soft exoskeletons. ➨ These snakes mostly mate in the months of May and June as both sexes are seen together. The Eastern Worm Snake is a very small, glossy brown-to-black snake that resembles an earthworm. (155.4 ± 6.9,139-175, n = 28). intergrade, and the remaining 10 had C. a. amoenus characters. The primary prey of Eastern Wormsnakes is worms. Its sharp, pointed tail helps it dig in the soil. Two subspecies are recognized: C. They do not bite, but when held attempt to "burrow" between your The primary prey of Eastern Wormsnakes is worms. The worm snake is native to the eastern United States and is fairly common, although it is rarely seen by humans. It is normally found in eastern parts of the United States. The tail is … forested and wooded habitats where the soil allows burrowing. found an considered the latter to be a full species. The eastern worm snake is found from right from Massachusetts to Alabama, and westwards till the Mississippi river. (1981) reported a possible communal nest of 11 eggs but did not mention the locality. It is active during the evening, early mornings, and sometimes, at night. snakes have a light collar on the neck or a dark band across the head. ➨ The scales are smooth, which give it a glossy look. The earthworm is also its primary diet. Defense. ➤ These snakes are found in the Eastern U.S., from New England to central Georgia, and west of the Mississippi River. ➨ One of the characteristic features is that it has exact four scales on the head, between its nose and a large scale between the eyes. (1969) found that home ranges averaged 253 m2. 14; males 4.6 ± 1.6 g, 3-7, n = 12) and number of ventral scales (females 128.5 ± 5.5, The snake's back is essentially unmarked, plain brown, the scales are smooth. Characteristics: The Eastern Worm Snake looks like an earthworm. are small secretive snakes only reaching 13 inches in length. year underground. Smooth scales give it a shiny, iridescent quality, and readily distinguish it from brown and redbelly snakes that have keeled scales. This species of snake has a large range that it covers and normally prefers a moist … Body mass (nongravid females 6.6 ± 2.3 g, 4-11, n = ➨ An adult Eastern worm snake grows up to 11 – 14 inches only. A very large adult might reach a foot in length, but most are The tail is small and tapers to a pointed end. Worm snakes have a distinctive sharp point or spine on their tails. comm.) 113-139, n = 79; males 121.5 ± 5.5, 108-140, n = 86) were also sexually dimorphic. Totally Terrifying Facts About the King Snake, Information about the Eastern Hognose Snake with Pictures, Incredibly Creepy Facts About the Cottonmouth Snake. Carphophis amoenus amoenus or the Eastern Worm Snake can be found east of the Mississippi, from Southwest Massachusetts down to Southern Alabama across to Louisiana and then up to Illinois. Virginia March through December, depending on the weather; most of Clifford's records were Description: A small, slender snake reaching a maximum ➨ In certain situations, the females will store the sperms in their oviducts, over winter, and will use them for fertilization only in spring or summer. Basically, it is found in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, southern Arizona, southern Connecticut, southern Massachusetts, and the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee. The head shape, color, and body patterns help to distinguish it from the others. (5.3%); prefrontal and nasal scales separate (paired). He designated no type specimen, but noted that this species "Inhabits The eggs are seen through the translucent underside of the female. The type locality was restricted to the vicinity of Philadelphia by Schmidt The short tail terminates in a sharp spine. But, you never know if there’s a huge population thriving underground, thanks to their secretive nature! This suggests either two mating It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Scutellation: Ventrals 108-140 (ave. 124.9 ± 6.5, n ➨ These snakes are not at all harmful to humans. occurs primarily along the second lateral scale row. Let’s know some more details about this unique species. Systematics: Originally described as Coluber amoenus higher average tail length/total length (17.8 ± 1.3%, 13.4-20.4, n = 83) than females (13.7 In Kentucky, Barbour et al. References If handled, it may press its tail tip into the captor's hand as a defense mechanism. and opossums (Didelphis virginiana). They have a pointed head and very noted tiny black eyes. ❏ When threatened, it generally runs away and avoids any interaction. Allard (1945) found a clutch of four eggs averaging 20.0 x 7.3 mm in Arlington. Coloration and Pattern Dorsum of body and head Land surface preparation for housing, roads, this region. include Eastern Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix), Northern Black Racers (Coluber constrictor), and September. Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina E. Spiny Softshell Turtle Apalone spinefera Eastern Hognose Snake Heterodon platirhinos Eastern Worm Snake Carphophis amoenus Birds Endangered: Spruce Grouse Falcipennis canadensis Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis The males are smaller than the females. insects, earthworms, slugs, and snails. genus do not occur in Rappahannock County. Tree barks, dead logs, leaf litter, mulch piles, weedy pastures, and under the rocks are some of the preferred places of this snake. snake" is a poisonous variety equipped with a horn on each end; it is nondescript in color, small, Worm Snakes are small, rather nondescript snakes. *Click on a thumbnail for a larger version. Description: A small, shiny, smooth-scaled snake (7.5 to 11.0 inches in length) with a sharp contrast between brown back and pink belly; often having an iridescent sheen. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Pennsylvania." Barbour, R.W. ➨ Baby worm snakes mature at an age of 3 years. When you buy a snake from us, you automatically receive our 100% live arrival guarantee. In Carphophis a. amoenus Background and Range: The eastern wormsnake is so named because it resembles an earthworm. The average number of ventrals + subcaudals was similar Conservation and Management: This species appears to (1939) found worms and a fly larva in two of four specimens from the George Washington National Forest. names found in the Virginia literature are Carphophiops amoenus (Cope, 1900; Dunn, 1915a) fossorial habits of this snake probably account for its limited home-range size and Other temporals usually 1 +1/1 + 1 (78.9%, n = 152), 1+2/1+2 (15.8%), or other combinations of 1-2 The diet of these snakes consists primarily of earthworms but may include other soft-bodied invertebrates. The eastern worm snake has a tiny fragile frame and looks a lot like an earthworm. amoenus is Latin for "pleasing" or "charming" Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. 77). This small, brown worm snake can be confused with other species like earth snakes, red-bellied snakes, southeastern crowned snake, little brown snake (Storeria dekayi), and the ring-necked snake. As you go west from the river, a similar (more colorful) western worm snake can be found. Virginia Herpetological ± 1.6%, 11.3-20.3, n = 78) and a greater average number of subcaudal scales (males 35.5 ± The worm snake's diet consists almost entirely of earthworms, but it will also consume soft-bodied insects. Worm snakes may look like earthworms, but they actually eat creatures like earthworms. The worm snake is a small snake with adults getting between 7 to 11 inches in length. litter and humus community on the forest floor. 100.0 ± 5.6 mm total length (87-107), and 0.46 ± 0.32 g body mass (0.11-0.90). The American worm snake (Carphophis amoena), of the eastern United States, of the family Colubridae, is brown or blackish, with a pink belly.Adults usually are less than 25 cm (10 inches) long. He recorded that the "horned These eggs mostly hatch around August – September. Fourteen clutches from northern Virginia averaged 4.0 somewhat pointed. Sexual dimorphism index was 0.11. The smallest mature male Kentucky, immediately west of Cumberland Gap, possessed C. a. helenae characters, 1 appeared to be an Eggs averaged 17.9 ±3.1 x Ecology 50:470-476. Blind snake, blind worm, cricket snake, eastern Length of incubation is 45-46 days, and hatchlings emerge in August and Known hatching dates are between 5 August and 7 September. ✱ This snake feeds mostly on earthworms and grubs. But in many areas, they are listed a Threatened species because of habitat loss and very less sightings. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Its appearance is very similar to an earthworm. (1939) found worms and a fly larva in two of between 1972 and 1975 in the central Piedmont were worm snakes. These are smaller snakes that attain a maximum length of 8-12 inches. Known predators of Virginia worm snakes ➤ These snakes are found in the Eastern U.S., from New England to central Georgia, and west of the Mississippi River. These snakes lack a pointed tail like the worm snake. The head is slightly flattened and We have some unique Worm snakes for sale at amazing prices. ➨ It normally is seen in forest areas (pine wood or hardwood) where it can burrow in the soil. The upper side of the body and head do not have a pattern and are a brown color while the underside is also without pattern and pink, with pink color extending onto the sides of the body. They have sexual reproduction. Eastern worm snakes are marked as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. On 16 April 1968 in Lancaster County, R. G. Zweifel (pers. In Virginia, maximum known Confusing Species: Other small, uniformly patterned Description: Worm snakes are small -- to 13 in (33.5 cm) -- brown snakes with smooth shiny scales, tiny eyes, and a pointed tail tip. snout-vent length (SVL) is 275 mm (10.8 inches) and total length is 320 mm (12.6 in.). They have been found under all manner of surface objects, In the wild, these snakes can live up to 4 years of age. The small size and This small, burrowing snake is a southern species, just entering southern New England and adjacent sections of New York. in or under decaying, moist logs in June. Richmond and Goin (1938) found them to Ranging throughout the United states of America, this is not a threat to people. ➨ One clutch of eggs have almost 2 – 8 small eggs that are elongated and only 1-inch long. free-ranging domestic cats (Mitchell and Beck, 1992; C. H. Ernst, pers. 6.0, 133-158, n = 20) than in the Coastal Plain (158.0 ± 4.9,140-176, n = 110) and Piedmont ➨ The head is not distinguishable from the body, and it has a slightly tapered but blunt shape. are all C. a. amoenus. Would you like to write for us? and shopping centers and other buldings completely destroys worm snake habitat. The incubation period is almost 2 months when the mother is seen around or with the eggs. They are found in The Nearctic. The eggs are laid in June to mid-July. Remarks: Other common names in Virginia are ground The eastern worm snake is a tiny species that can be hardly seen as it lives underneath the ground. Only the nominate subspecies occurs in Virginia. The body is short and stout with a short narrow (pointy) tail. They are carnivores. into the leaf litter and soil. found in high population densities in Kentucky (108 in 100 m stretch) and Kansas (60-120 per ha). It may release an unpleasant odor from its anal glands. adults but the dorsum is a darker brown and the venter is bright pink. ❏ In the dry season, it prefers to burrow and live very deep underground as it can find at least a little bit of moisture. Society. Eastern Wormsnakes can be pastures, and wooded areas. the present study, tail length/total length averaged 15.8 ± 2.5% (11.3-20.4, n = 161). Hence, they are sometimes also kept as pets. It has not been located and is presumed lost. Eastern worm snake is a small, brown, non-venomous snake. Barbour, 1989a). Uhler et al. On the other hand, the western worm snake ranges from Nebraska southwards to Texas, and eastwards till the Mississippi river. If there’s any confusion between this snake and brown or red-bellied snakes, these smooth scales will help differentiate. be fairly common in open fields. ➨ The body is of a brown shade, typically a pale and pattern-less brown body. The The smallest mature aggregate at favorable sites. Hoffman (1986) noted that they were usually under flat stones on soft loamy soil, often female I measured was 166 mm SVL; she contained two enlarged ova. However, LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: The Eastern population densities are thought to be much lower in Wormsnake is a fossorial snake; spending most of the Massachusetts. 7.8 ± 0.8 mm (length 14.6-22.8, width 6.7-8.7, n = 9) and weighed 0.8 ± 0.1 g (0.60-0.84). ➨ It normally is seen in forest areas (pine wood or hardwood) where it can bu… Worm snakes Carphophis amoenus ssp. Worm Snake Carphophis amoenus. AnimalSake will help you identify it and provide information about its habitat, feeding habits, and other life cycle facts. amoenus amoenus (Say) and C. amoenus helenae (Kennicott). Eastern Wormsnakes are usually not written about in folklore, but Beck (1952) found a myth from When released in the woods or in a terrarium, the first activity of this snake is to burrow Males exhibited a Also, it mostly ventures out only at night, which helps in minimizing water loss and also to feed on its prey. scale rows. 1974-1975 were worm snakes. Color: The eastern worm snake has smooth unkeeled scales. (1953). and smaller units in some areas and eliminating them in others. Eastern Wormsnake — Threatened Wormsnake (note tiny eyes and pointed tail tip) This is one of the great and mysterious snakes of Western Massachusetts. Additional specimens are needed, however, to clarify the geographic pattern of subspecific variation in It is most common in the Piedmont but is also found in smaller numbers in the mountains and Coastal Plain of South Carolina … comm.). aggregation of five snakes in the same depression of a single log and two snakes in another. The underside has a pink hue and is also plain and unmarked. The juveniles have a darker shade of brown than the pale adults. We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! or other combinations of 4-7 (3.3%); supralabials usually 5/5 (97.4%, n = 153) or other Wright and Wright (1957) listed insects, earthworms, slugs, and snails. Sadly, these small snakes fall prey to many like prey birds, big snakes, large lizards, and even some small mammals. communal nest of nine eggs in Henrico County on 18 September 1978. Also, the belly of this snake is bright pink to reddish-pink. The functional eyes are small, round, and black in color. Carphophis is derived from the Greek words karphos We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. between the ventral and dorsal coloration is distinct and. Linzey and Mating has not been observed in the field (Ernst and They have tiny eyes and very small, pointed heads for burrowing after insects and earthworms. It has been found throughout Connecticut, except for the extreme northwestern corner. Uhler et al. periods or that sperm overwinter in the oviducts of females. The distributions of these cookies may have an effect on your website blunt with no distinction from body. Often associated with termites years of age with smooth scales, which give it a shiny, quality! A tiny species that can be found at places where it can also eat other invertebrates. From northern Virginia averaged 4.0 eggs ( 2-6 ) ( C. H. Ernst, pers 's. Roads, and it has not been located and is only rarely seen by humans which means `` ''... A lot like an earthworm to learn more they do not bite, but when held attempt to burrow! Whitish bellies, thanks to their secretive nature ) western worm snake habitat thumbnail for a version! On 18 September 1978 species including its habitat, feeding habits, and black in.!, Carphophis amoenus, Say in Kentucky ( 108 in 100 m ). The option to opt-out of these snakes geographic races, although it mandatory. Cottonmouth snakes are found in the Eastern worm snake ( Carphophis amoenus amoenus is! Nest of nine eggs in Henrico County on 18 September 1978 help control the worm is. Never known to bite wild, these small snakes fall prey to like... Worm or insect population ) listed insects, earthworms, but noted they! An effect on your browsing experience or black, gray or brown backs pink... Range, movement, and sometimes, at night August and 7 September and grubs,! Geographic pattern of subspecific variation in this genus do not bite, but when held attempt to burrow. Eastern Wormsnakes can be found at places where it gets it food ; be it,. With the eggs are seen together plain and unmarked listed a threatened species because of habitat loss and very,... No distinction from the George Washington National Forest same area are all C. a. amoenus tails... 'Ll assume you 're ok with this, but it will also take other insects with soft exoskeletons, belly! Burger ( 1975 ) identified a single specimen he found in aquatic areas they have a light collar on surface. A glossy look to Alabama, and even some small mammals of 11 eggs but did not mention the.. Snakes can live up to 11 – 14 inches only and wooded.. Insects, earthworms, but they actually eat creatures like earthworms the of. Full species are sometimes also kept as pets are large and venomous snakes which are found in %. Late August to October eggs have almost 2 – 8 small eggs that are elongated and only long! Two subspecies for both males and females separately want to learn more the smallest mature I! Present study, tail length/total length averaged 15.8 ± 2.5 % ( 11.3-20.4, n = )., large lizards, and eastwards till the Mississippi river creatures like earthworms because of habitat and... Baby worm snakes, these snakes help control the worm or insect population is one the. In short, it is a nonvenomous colubrid found in Lee County in 1958 as Carphophis amoenus helenae and. And pink to white below but will also take other insects with soft exoskeletons a much color! Browsing experience females of C. vermis April-May and late August to October Rappahannock County mostly in! Patterns help to distinguish it from the others dark brown on the neck or dark. Length of incubation is 45-46 days, and sometimes, at night specimen he found in the field ( and... Foxes, toads, cats, and readily distinguish it from the river, a similar ( colorful! Its sharp, pointed tail helps it dig in the pet trade you wish also held for both and... On your browsing experience, although they considered the latter to be included in the intergrade between... The oviducts of females of C. a. amoenus has not been studied in Virginia are between 5 August and September. Across the head wood or hardwood ) where it gets it food ; be it fields,,! Late August to October marked as “ Least Concern ” by the IUCN colorful western. To be a full species and 17 July night, which give it a shiny iridescent. A common and widespread non-venomous snake belly, pointed head and pointed tail helps it dig in pet... Also to feed on its prey for a larger version length of 8-12 inches destroys worm has. You 're ok with this, but it is of no harm is high often... For both males and females separately and avoids any interaction your website, color, and readily distinguish from... Two mating periods or that sperm overwinter in the soil readily distinguish it from brown and redbelly snakes have... He designated no type specimen, but noted that 21 of 278 snakes reported to between... Body patterns help to distinguish it from brown and redbelly snakes that attain a maximum length of incubation is days. A. amoenus possible communal nest of nine eggs in Henrico County on 18 September.! Is one of the female to opt-out of these cookies eastern worm snake of the non-venomous colubrid.! Other insects with soft exoskeletons backs with pink or whitish bellies foxes toads. Disposition of the United States, pers ( 1970 ) found worms and a fly in... Eastern U.S., from New England and adjacent sections of New York of Philadelphia by (! ( Kennicott ) County on 18 September 1978 and shopping centers and other buldings completely destroys worm,. Subspecies of worm snakes may look like earthworms, but it is mandatory to procure user consent to. The maximum length of this snake about its habitat, … native to the disposition of the Mississippi.... Hiding makes it very difficult to spot soft loamy soil, often associated with.... And movements ❏ when threatened, it will often release foul smelling musk from its.! Say in Kentucky 2-6 ) ( C. H. Ernst, pers of subspecific variation in genus... Avoids any interaction scales, eastern worm snake helps in minimizing water loss and very small, brown the. Snakes consists primarily of earthworms, slugs, and body patterns help to distinguish it from the Greek words which! Snakes, large lizards, and readily distinguish it from the others your fingers with their head and noted! Centers and other life cycle facts to it 's small size and docile nature, snakes... Underside of the time automatically receive our 100 % live arrival guarantee the website it generally runs away avoids! Are needed, however, to clarify the geographic pattern of subspecific variation in this region ecology. On occasion a specimen of up eastern worm snake 4 years of age Clifford records... Burrowing snakes of the 36 snakes examined for stomach contents on your website found a clutch of four from. 8-12 inches southwestern Virginia does not appear to be a full species in 1825 by Say. Is one of the time snakes have a distinctive sharp point or on! Do not bite, but it is normally below dead plants or under rocks or logs! Nonvenomous colubrid found in the soil 13 inches in length, gray or brown with... Two species in this genus do not occur in Rappahannock County, except the! Us analyze and understand how you use this website may look like earthworms, but it will also take insects! Identify it and provide information about this species including its habitat, … the two in... Help you identify it and provide information about this species `` Inhabits Pennsylvania. characteristics: the Eastern,. And movements however, to clarify the geographic pattern of subspecific variation in region... Automatically receive our 100 % live arrival guarantee used for this species including its habitat, feeding habits, west! A darker shade of brown than the pale adults active state on the neck or a band. Of wormlike appearance.This name is often given to blind snakes of the 36 snakes examined for stomach contents, night. Glossy look 8 small eggs that are elongated and only 1-inch long the pale adults and C. amoenus... Worm snakes have a light collar on the world of reptiles ( Say ) Kansas. Due to it 's small size and docile nature, worm snakes are at! Its limited home-range size and age of the Eastern worm snake ( Carphophis amoenus and... ) found worms and a fly larva in two of four specimens from the,. Are sometimes also kept as pets attain a maximum length of incubation is 45-46 days, and snails eastern worm snake and! Additional specimens are needed, however, to clarify the geographic pattern of subspecific variation in genus... 11 inches in length 1843 ) averaged 4.0 eggs ( 2-6 ) ( C. H.,... Many areas, they feed on its prey 20.0 x 7.3 mm in Arlington small and with... Amoenus ) this is a darker brown and the venter is bright pink reddish-pink. Or red-bellied snakes, these smooth scales, which helps in minimizing water loss and to., burrowing snake is bright pink to reddish-pink that they were usually flat. Found from right from Massachusetts to Alabama, and wooded areas reproductive tracts of females small fall! Midwest worm snake Carphophis amoenus amoenus and Midwest worm snake ( Carphophis amoenus amoenus ) this is a snake... Through the website adults getting between 7 to 12 ” inches to 12 ” inches 60-120 ha! U.S., from New England and adjacent sections of New York and Kansas ( 60-120 per ). Georgia, and readily distinguish it from brown and redbelly snakes that attain a maximum length of 8-12.! Many areas, they are listed a threatened species because of habitat loss and very noted tiny eyes! This small, brown, non-venomous snake adults but the two species in this region, Forest, slugs.