Worm snakes are small snakes, 35 cm (14 in) or less in total length (including tail). The males are shorter than the females.[2] Both sexes are usually a dark
brown in color on the upperside, with a lighter-colored,
pink or
orange underside. Both species are cylindrical and unpatterned, with a pointed head and small black eyes.[2] They are easily mistaken for other similar species, such as the earth snakes (genus Virginia) and the brown snakes (genus Storeria). Worm snakes have narrow heads, sharp tail tips, and are not
venomous.
Behavior
Worm snakes are
fossorial snakes, and spend the vast majority of their time buried in loose, rocky soil, or under forest leaf litter. They predominantly reside in cool, moist soils next to streams, hilly woodlands, pine forest stands, partially grassy woodsides, and farmland bordering woodlands.[3] These species have fairly small home ranges (253 square meters) and the daily activity is from 3-6pm.[4] It was seen that most periods of activity were for less than 12 hours, while the periods of inactivity can range from a few minutes to over two weeks.[5] Worm snakes are abundant within their ranges, but rarely seen due to their secretive nature. Studies have shown that if these species are displaced, there is no homing ability that is exhibited.[6]
Reproduction
Little is known about the mating habits of worm snakes, but breeding likely occurs in early spring. The
eggs are laid in early summer.
Clutch size is normally two to five eggs, and hatching takes place in August or September. Hatchlings range in size from 7 to 12 cm (about 3-5 inches). The young can mature within three years.[7]
Diet
Worm snakes eat almost entirely
earthworms, and other annelids. Studies have shown that they have consumed soft-bodied
insects and other invertebrate prey.[8]
^Wright, A.H., and A.A. Wright. 1957. Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. Comstock. Ithaca and London. 1,105 pp. (in two volumes) (Genus Carphophis, pp. 104-105, Map 12 + Figure 21 on p. 73.)
^
abcErnst, Carl; Orr, John; Creque, Terry (2013).
"Carphophis amoenus "(PDF). Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles. 774: 1–7. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
Boulenger, G.A. (1894). Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume II., Containing the Conclusion of the Colubridæ Aglyphæ. London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xi + 382 pp. + Plates I–XX. (Genus Carphophis, p. 324.)
Gervais, P. (1843). In:D'Orbigny, [A]. (1843). Dictionnaire Universel d'Histoire Naturelle, Nouvelle Édition. Tome Troisième [volume 3, BRU - CHY]. Paris: A. Pilon. 752 pp. (Carphophis, new genus, p. 262.)