eastern worm snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHARACTERISTICS: The worm snake truly resembles a worm. It

has a length of 7.5-11 in. (19-28 cm), the head is plain brown above,

the belly is pink, and the head is pointed. The scales are smooth and

opalescent. The young are darker than the adults. The upper side of

the body and head are unpatterned and plain brown; the underside is

unpatterned and pink, with pink coloration extending onto the sides

of the body. At hatching, juveniles are patterned as adults but the dor-

sum is a darker brown and the venter is bright pink. Eggs, 2-8, are laid

in June or July and hatch in late summer. When held in the hand, this

snake attempts to push its way between the fingers with both its tail

and head.

 

DISTRIBUTION: The worm snake is found in moist environments
throughout Virginia below 1300 meters elevation. It occurs statewide
in Virginia except for the barrier islands of the Eastern Shore. This
species is common in all areas of Virginia with developed soils. It is
secretive and occurs in forested and wooded habitats where the soil
allows burrowing. It has been found under all manner of surface ob-

jects, including logs, tree bark, boards, rocks, and trash, as well as in

moist logs and stumps. This snake is seldom found active on the sur-

face and is only rarely seen crossing paved roads at night.

 

FOODS: The primary prey of the worm snake is worms, but it will

also take soft-bodied insects.

 

 

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