Non-venomous
Worm Snake

Worm snakes are nonvenomous species native to the eastern part of the United States. They replicate worms, earthworms in particular, which is also one of their primary food sources, thus resulting in its name.

Scientific Classifications

  • Suborder:Serpentes
  • Family:Colubridae
  • Genus:Carphophis
  • Species:C. amoenus

Conservation Status

Not EvaluatedNE

Not Evaluated

Data DeficientDD

Data Deficient

Least ConcernLC

Least Concern

Near ThreatenedNT

Near Threatened

VulnerableVU

Vulnerable

EndangeredEN

Endangered

Critically EndangeredCR

Critically Endangered

Extinct in the wildEW

Extinct in the wild

ExtinctEX

Extinct

Subspecies

The worm snake has two recognized subspecies:

  • Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus)
  • Midwestern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus helenae)

Description

Size

These small snakes have a length of around 8-11 inches, with a maximum size recorded at 13 inches.

<em>Carphophis amoenus</em>

Color and Appearance

These snakes appear brown on the dorsal side and bright pink on the ventral portion. Their belly has a brighter coloration, a part of which also extends up to their body. They have smooth dorsal scales arranged in rows of 13. Another highlighting feature is their tail, appearing shorter than their body and ends in a spine-like scaly projection. These snakes exhibit sexual dimorphism, with females being longer with shorter tails. Other significant physical features include their pointed, conical-shaped head and small eyes.

The juvenile worm snakes have similar coloration as their adult counterparts.

Are they Dangerous to Humans

Being nonvenomous, the worm snakes aren’t dangerous. However, if picked up, they would emit a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism.

Worm Snake at a Glance

Distribution

These snakes occupy most parts of the Eastern United States. Their range includes the east of Mississippi, southwest Mississippi, southern Alabama, west to Louisiana, and north to Illinois.

Worm Snake Picture

Habitat

Their common habitat includes woodlands and grasslands, mainly inhabiting rotten logs, leaf litter, and stumps. They are abundant within their range, yet these snakes are rare due to their lifestyle and where they live. They mostly prefer moist soils, particularly those inhabited by earthworms. One could spot them more frequently after heavy rainfall. 

Lifespan

They have a moderately short lifespan, living for less than four years.

Predator

Their predators include thrushes, American robins, opossums, barn owls, and other snake species.

Diet

Their diet mainly comprises earthworms, but they may feed on insect larvae and other soft-bodied invertebrates.

Reproduction

Worm Snake Baby

Mating and courtship mostly start in spring, with April – June being the active months when both sexes are spotted together. Between May and June, the eggs can be observed in the female’s translucent venter (abdomen). The egg-laying period spans between late June, and early July, laid in clutches of 2-8 under rocks, stumps, and rotting wood. The eggs appear long and smooth, around 1 inch long and 0.40 inches wide. One egg may often look wider than the other.

Pet Care Sheet

Housing

A 10-gallon terrarium would be an ideal enclosure choice.

Worm Snake Image

Temperature

The preferred temperature should be 70 – 80 º F during the day and around 67 º F at night.

Humidity

The humidity level of their habitat must be around 60 to 70%.

Substrate

The substrates for their dwelling may include peat, moss, forest bedding, and coco husk.

Diet

Earthworms, slugs, caterpillars, waxworms, butterworms, and snails are among the food that one could offer them in captivity.

Source

herpsofnc.org, herpsofnc.org, natureblog.org, discoverlife.org, srelherp.uga.edu

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