Eastern Worm Snake
(Carphophis amoenus amoenus) |
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DESCRIPTION: 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 dorsum 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.
STATUS:
RANGE:
HABITAT: It has been found under all
manner of surface objects, including logs, tree bark, boards,
rocks, and trash, as well as in moist logs and stumps. This
snake is seldom found active on the surface and is only rarely
seen crossing paved roads at night.
SPECIAL HABITAT:
FOOD: The primary prey of the worm
snake is worms, but it will also take soft-bodied insects. |
