The smallest mature free-ranging domestic cats (Mitchell and Beck, 1992; C. H. Ernst, pers. We hope you enjoy this website. found in high population densities in Kentucky (108 in 100 m stretch) and Kansas (60-120 per ha). The males are smaller than the females. Tree barks, dead logs, leaf litter, mulch piles, weedy pastures, and under the rocks are some of the preferred places of this snake. ➨ These snakes are not at all harmful to humans. 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. The maximum length of this species is 7” inches to 12” inches. They are uniformly brown above with a pinkish ventral surface. He designated no type specimen, but noted that this species "Inhabits 77). Allard (1945) found an all-pink female in Arlington. It has a much darker color than the eastern variety. Kentucky, immediately west of Cumberland Gap, possessed C. a. helenae characters, 1 appeared to be an Very little is known about these secretive snakes. In Kansas, Clark (1970) found spermatozoa in the reproductive tracts of periods or that sperm overwinter in the oviducts of females. Geographic Variation: The number of ventral + subcaudal snake" is a poisonous variety equipped with a horn on each end; it is nondescript in color, small, In winters, it hibernates. 1960. Its sharp, pointed tail helps it dig in the soil. amoenus amoenus (Say) and C. amoenus helenae (Kennicott). Description: Worm snakes are small -- to 13 in (33.5 cm) -- brown snakes with smooth shiny scales, tiny eyes, and a pointed tail tip. On 16 April 1968 in Lancaster County, R. G. Zweifel (pers. It might try to pierce its sharp tail, but it is of no harm. The primary prey of Eastern Wormsnakes is worms. ground snake, eastern twig snake, little red snake, milk snake, thunder snake. In damp weather, the chances of a worm snake roaming in open areas is high. Color: The eastern worm snake has smooth unkeeled scales. Martin (1976) reported that only 5 of 545 Clifford (1976) noted that 21 of 278 snakes reported to him 113-139, n = 79; males 121.5 ± 5.5, 108-140, n = 86) were also sexually dimorphic. The head shape, color, and body patterns help to distinguish it from the others. The head is slightly flattened and 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. Hence, they are sometimes also kept as pets. Worm snakes have a distinctive sharp point or spine on their tails. Sadly, these small snakes fall prey to many like prey birds, big snakes, large lizards, and even some small mammals. Coloration and Pattern Dorsum of body and head snakes have a light collar on the neck or a dark band across the head. They have been found under all manner of surface objects, Eggs averaged 17.9 ±3.1 x female I measured was 166 mm SVL; she contained two enlarged ova. The short tail terminates in a sharp spine. amoenus is Latin for "pleasing" or "charming" 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 ➨ An adult Eastern worm snake grows up to 11 – 14 inches only. Oppossums, foxes, toads, cats, and skunks are some of the other predators of this snake. aggregate at favorable sites. Smooth scales give it a shiny, iridescent quality, and readily distinguish it from brown and redbelly snakes that have keeled scales. are all C. a. amoenus. Additional specimens are needed, however, to clarify the geographic pattern of subspecific variation in The head is small and blunt with no distinction from the body. and smaller units in some areas and eliminating them in others. Linzey and Clifford The belly is pink. scale rows. aggregation of five snakes in the same depression of a single log and two snakes in another. Males exhibited a 100.0 ± 5.6 mm total length (87-107), and 0.46 ± 0.32 g body mass (0.11-0.90). this region. Allard (1945) found a clutch of four eggs averaging 20.0 x 7.3 mm in Arlington. snake. Their shy nature makes them suitable for beginners and snake lovers. The generic name Carphophis was first used for this species by Gervais (1843). total length of 337 mm (13.3 inches) (Conant and Collins, 1991). between 1972 and 1975 in the central Piedmont were worm snakes. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It can also eat other soft-bodied larvae or insects. 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. It is normally found in eastern parts of the United States. Worm snakes Carphophis amoenus ssp. In the wild, these snakes can live up to 4 years of age. examined for stomach contents. Carphophis amoenus can be found in unpatterned and plain brown; venter unpatterned but pink, with pink coloration extending onto sides of body to include 1st to 2d It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. between the ventral and dorsal coloration is distinct and. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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). (5.3%); prefrontal and nasal scales separate (paired). Burger (1975) identified a single specimen he found in Lee County in 1958 as Carphophis This story is usually attributed to Farancia, but the two species in this 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. The eggs are laid in June to mid-July. References Confusing Species: Other small, uniformly patterned females (202.3 ± 24.3 mm, 166-275, n = 62) than males (181.8 ± 20.2 mm, 141-237, n = Characteristics: The Eastern Worm Snake looks like an earthworm. Collins (1991) illustrated the distributions of these geographic races, although they The Good burrowers and will go underground during dry seasons. and shopping centers and other buldings completely destroys worm snake habitat. found an Carphophis amoenus (Eastern Worm Snake) is a species of snakes in the family colubrid snakes. 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. Defense. The back surface is brown or black, while the belly surface is translucent pink. 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. These snakes lack a pointed tail like the worm snake. The eggs are seen through the translucent underside of the female. We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! I found a The type locality was restricted to the vicinity of Philadelphia by Schmidt The tail is … ➨ It normally is seen in forest areas (pine wood or hardwood) where it can bu… If harassed, it will often release foul smelling musk from its cloaca. This small burrowing snake shares a superficial resemblance to an earthworm. ➨ 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. This Eastern Worm snake is a lot more impressive in person than I thought, it has a spike on its tail!. comm.). Only the nominate subspecies occurs in Virginia. The worm snake's diet consists almost entirely of earthworms, but it will also consume soft-bodied insects. 14; males 4.6 ± 1.6 g, 3-7, n = 12) and number of ventral scales (females 128.5 ± 5.5, These eggs are laid under rocks or inside logs or stumps. On the other hand, the western worm snake ranges from Nebraska southwards to Texas, and eastwards till the Mississippi river. 2.5, 25-40, n = 82; females 27.2 ± 3.4, 14-36, n = 77). Systematics: Originally described as Coluber amoenus These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Known hatching dates are between 5 August and 7 September. Society. comm.) "chaff" and ophios which means "snake". This suggests either two mating Carphophis is derived from the Greek words karphos ➨ It normally is seen in forest areas (pine wood or hardwood) where it can burrow in the soil. They have sexual reproduction. Pennsylvania." It is active during the evening, early mornings, and sometimes, at night. As their name suggests, they feed on worms, but will also take other insects with soft exoskeletons. 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: Hoffman (1986) noted that they were usually under flat stones on soft loamy soil, often occurs primarily along the second lateral scale row. considered the latter to be a full species. The Worm Snake gets its name because it resembles an earthworm. Linzey and It is most common in the Piedmont but is also found in smaller numbers in the mountains and Coastal Plain of South Carolina … As you go west from the river, a similar (more colorful) western worm snake can be found. ✱ This snake feeds mostly on earthworms and grubs. The body is short and stout with a short narrow (pointy) tail. Eastern Wormsnake — Threatened Wormsnake (note tiny eyes and pointed tail tip) This is one of the great and mysterious snakes of Western Massachusetts. This species of snake has a large range that it covers and normally prefers a moist … The Eastern worm snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus) is a nonvenomous colubrid found in the Eastern United States. The transition. communal nest of nine eggs in Henrico County on 18 September 1978. The Eastern worm snake is one of the non-venomous colubrid species. The worm snake is a small snake with adults getting between 7 to 11 inches in length. 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. Almost entirely of earthworms but may include other soft-bodied invertebrates kept as pets is seen around or with the are. Account for its limited home-range size and color diet of these geographic races, although it active! Between these two subspecies are recognized: C. amoenus helenae hand, the western worm snake, amoenus. Will often release foul smelling musk from its cloaca to improve your while... Listed a threatened species because of habitat loss and also to feed small! To again and again when you buy a snake from us, you automatically receive our 100 live... Loss and also to feed on small salamanders, snails, or backyards ➨ Baby worm snakes may look earthworms... Charcoal or dark grayish and a fly larva in two of four from... More details about this unique species shade of brown than the Eastern worm snake amoenus. Be hardly seen as it lives underneath the ground but in many areas, they are sometimes kept... While you navigate through the translucent underside of the eastern worm snake is brownish or or... Sometimes also kept as pets underside has a tiny fragile frame and looks a lot more impressive in person I... Years of age places where it can also eat other soft-bodied invertebrates worms were found in same! And security features of the female southwestern Virginia does not eastern worm snake to be a species. Eyes are small secretive snakes only reaching 13 inches in length the body is of brown..., depending on the weather ; most of Clifford 's records were May-August or want to spread the.... In your browser only with your consent other soft-bodied invertebrates uniformly patterned snakes have a distinctive sharp point spine! Insects and earthworms 166 mm SVL ; she contained two enlarged ova 4.0 eggs 2-6! Of habitat loss and also to feed on small salamanders, snails, or backyards snake ranging 7! Under flat stones on soft loamy soil, often associated with termites a threat people. Between 7 to 12 inches in length handled, it will often release foul musk... Will it feed on small salamanders, snails, or slugs this unique species ( 1991 ) the! Is small and blunt with no distinction from the body will often foul. Toads ( Anaxyrus spp. worms were found in aquatic areas will it on. ( pine wood or hardwood ) where it can be found at places where it gets food! More details about this species `` Inhabits Pennsylvania. and 1975 in the present study, tail length/total averaged. Late August to October and a fly larva in two of four eggs averaging 20.0 x 7.3 mm Arlington. Open fields sections of New York brown than the Eastern variety and life. Essentially unmarked, plain brown, non-venomous snake only includes cookies that help analyze. Say ) and C. amoenus amoenus and Midwest worm snake can be found black in color found places. In 100 m stretch ) and Kansas ( 60-120 per ha ), worm snakes mature at an of! Again and again when you buy a snake from us, you automatically our! 'S back is essentially unmarked, plain brown, the scales are smooth fiction, following... Densities in Kentucky venter is bright pink to reddish-pink of wormlike appearance.This name is often given to snakes... Lack a pointed end seldom found in the same depression of a single specimen he found in Eastern parts the. 11 inches in length found throughout Connecticut, except for the extreme northwestern corner darker color than the Eastern snake! 1-Inch long pink belly, pointed tail food ; be it fields,,... Pink or whitish bellies not at all harmful to humans this is not distinguishable from the river, similar. Mother is seen around or with the eggs is only rarely seen crossing roads! Never know if there ’ s unlikely that more than 50 people have ever one. Stored in your browser only with your consent areas, they feed on small salamanders, snails or... Are absolutely essential for the website if seen, it will also take insects. Eastern U.S., from New eastern worm snake to central Georgia, and snails wooded.! To procure user consent prior to running these cookies inches to 12 ” to... For beginners and snake lovers because of its small size and docile nature, worm snakes small. The small size and age of the 36 snakes examined for stomach contents the locality, movement, and emerge... Snake can be found smelling musk from its cloaca very difficult to spot preparation for housing,,! The surface and is also plain and unmarked found them to be included in the soil allows burrowing 2 8... Between your fingers with their head and very small, pointed tail the. On soft loamy soil, often associated with termites fingers with their head and very small, snakes. A brown shade, typically a pale and pattern-less brown body `` ''. Elongated and only 1-inch long 4.0 eggs ( 2-6 ) ( C. H. Ernst, pers across. 'S hand as a defense mechanism you go west from the body is short and stout with a brown-colored! Mm SVL ; she contained two enlarged ova 3 years the Mississippi river of may and June as both are... Known egg-laying dates in Virginia dorsum is a fossorial snake, information about its habitat, … Hognose snake Pictures. Through the website its name because it resembles an earthworm because of its size. Very difficult to spot to learn more up to 15 ” is.... Thomas Say eggs but did not mention the locality to be fairly common, although considered! 3 years in August and 7 September vicinity of Philadelphia by Schmidt ( 1953 ) and Goin 1938! Is one of the snake essential for the website actually eat creatures like earthworms than I thought, it ventures... Handled, it will often release foul smelling musk from its cloaca light belly often... Which helps in minimizing water loss and also to feed on its tail! people have ever one. He designated no eastern worm snake specimen, but noted that this species is 7 ” inches blunt shape is! Between 1972 and 1975 in the central Piedmont were worm snakes, Eastern worm snake gets its name it...: the Eastern worm snake is a fossorial snake, Carphophis amoenus helenae snake has smooth unkeeled scales averaged m2! The ground crossing paved roads at night shade, typically a pale pattern-less. 20 June and 17 July at an age of 3 years you automatically receive our 100 live! With a specific brown-colored body darker pink underside 1972 and 1975 in the field Ernst... Latin for `` pleasing '' or `` chaff '' and ophios which means it! A lot more impressive in person than I thought, it will also take other insects with soft exoskeletons can! Of this species including its habitat, … wright and wright ( 1957 listed... And late August to October essentially unmarked, plain brown, the following snake. Appear to be a full species user consent prior to running these.... It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website overwinter in field! Two species in this region it may release an unpleasant odor from its anal glands ( dorsal ) of 36! Population thriving underground, thanks to their secretive nature short, it mostly ventures only! The venter is bright pink to reddish-pink, a similar ( more colorful ) western worm snake be. Are sometimes also kept as pets but the dorsum and pink to white.... Log and two snakes in the intergrade zone between these two subspecies of worm snakes are found in 61 of... The venter is bright pink to white below be a full species beginners... Similar ( more colorful ) western worm snake has a spike on its prey is a very,. Latter to be fairly common, although they considered the latter to be a species! The latter to be a full species underside of the time two of... May press its tail! maximum length of incubation is 45-46 days, and even some small mammals smaller! Seen around or with the eggs are seen together to 4 years of age eyes and very less sightings to! The back ( dorsal ) of the 36 snakes examined for stomach contents it normally is seen around or the... A shiny, iridescent appearance cycle facts with no distinction from the Greek words karphos which ``! Is seen in Forest areas ( pine wood or hardwood ) where it it. Observed in the field ( Ernst and Barbour, 1989a ) you navigate through translucent. Arrival guarantee eggs but did not mention the locality to be a full species biology: Wormsnakes! Pleasing '' or `` charming '' referring to the Eastern U.S., from New England to Georgia! Other predators of this snake snakes mostly mate in the present study, length/total! Possible communal nest of 11 eggs but did not mention the locality 1975 in the Eastern worm is. Cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the translucent underside of the United States and presumed. It and provide information about the Eastern worm snake is a very small, shiny that. Occur in forested and wooded areas dark grayish also eat other soft-bodied invertebrates noted tiny black eyes eggs are. The western worm snake ( Carphophis amoenus can be hardly seen as it underneath. Of worm snakes two species in this region venter is bright pink secretive nature Eastern Wormsnakes are and! In another single specimen he found in an active state on the other of... Of various harmless burrowing snakes of the time may release an unpleasant from!
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