Worm Snake

The Worm Snake is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

Worm snake is the common name sometimes given to several of snakes. They share the characteristics of small size, primarily subterranean habitat, non-functioning or small eyes, and varying resemblance to earthworms. More

image of Western Worm SnakeThis species is usually purplish-brown above and salmon pink on the belly and lower sides. The tail has an interesting (and harmless) spike which also helps it maneuver through soil. Length ranges from 7 to 11 inches (18-28 cm). More

The worm snake is covered with smooth scales, which give it a shiny, iridescent appearance. The small, rounded head is barely distinguishable from the rest of the body and the eyes are greatly reduced, which is characteristic of a burrowing snake. More

Worm SnakeCarphophis amoenus (Say, 1825) Reptiles Printer Friendly Version (PDF) Identifying Characteristics The Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus) is a small (7.5-15 inches; 19-38 cm total length) (Conant and Collins 1998, Gibbs et al. More

Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus) close-up Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus) close-up 782x521 (65kb) More

Carphophis (common name worm snakes) is a genus of small colubrid snakes. The genus consists of two species, which are divided into the eastern and western types. They are found only in the eastern half of the United States. More

The worm snake is indeed a snake although there are myths of it possibly being a lizard with very tiny legs. More

Worm snakes have sharp points on their tails and very small heads used for burrowing after insects and earthworms. Feeding/Diet: Worm snakes are active mostly at night and are common in damp woodlands where they feed primarily on earthworms. More

eastern worm snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus) = Photos Distribution Map Distribution Map Characteristics - The worm snake truly resembles More

Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus) = These small snakes are harmless to humans and common statewide in the North Carolina. They hunt mostly at night, feeding mostly on worms, and they spend their days sleeping under logs and other hiding places. More

Eastern Worm Snakes are found where there is damp soil, especially in forests. They also live in meadows and backyards. Worm snakes are mostly active during crepuscular (evening and early morning) times and at night. More

The Worm Snake is generally uncommon, but it can be locally common at specific locations. Description - The Worm Snake is one of the smallest (19–33 cm) snakes in the United States. More

* Niche The worm snake’s niche is to eat insects, especially mosquitoes, which plague other animal species. * Predators The worm snake’s predators are raccoons, foxes, and other small carnivorous animals. More

Western Worm Snake - Carphophis vermis PDF Print E-mail By: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Status THREATENED. More

Species Description: Worm snakes attain a length of about 12 inches (30 cm). They are uniformly brown above with a pinkish ventral surface. They have a tiny head and tail with a sharp spine on the tip of it. More

* Worm Snake 800 RichmondCarphophis amoenus (7-11", up to 13") Photo credit: Alan Richmond * WormCarphophis amoenus (7-11", up to 13") Illustration: Nancy Haver More Information: More

Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus) Identification: A very small, cylindrical snake, 8 to 15 inches in length. Dorsal coloration brown, shading to gray or black, without markings. Underside pink. Tail short and ending in a point. Anal plate divided. More

The Eastern Worm Snake is a very small, glossy brown-to-black snake that resembles an earthworm. Also, the belly of this snake is bright pink to reddish-pink. The tail is short and it tapers to a sharp tip. More

The Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus) has a pointed head and an underside that is pale pink. It is one of our smallest snakes, averaging from six inches to a foot in length. Juveniles are darker brown than the chestnut-colored adults. More

The Western Worm Snake is not for beginners, as they rarely uncover themselves from the ground. They are fairly small snakes, with smooth scales covering their dark coloured bodies. More

Eastern Worm Snakes are small, shiny snakes found throughout South Carolina. Adults are usually 8 to 10 inches in length. Their scales are smooth and opalescent. The anal plate is divided and the tail ends with a sharp point. Wormsnakes lay eggs. More

Description: Worm snakes are small More

The worm snake is an unpatterned brown snake with a pink belly, pointed head and small eyes. Smooth scales give it a shiny, iridescent quality, and readily distinguish it from brown and redbelly snakes that have keeled scales. More

In Massachusetts, worm snakes have been found only in the southern Connecticut Valley where they prefer areas with sandy soil. Moist woodlands with either sandy or rocky soils provide the best habitat. More

Common names

Amoenus in English - English
eastern worm snake in English - English
Eastern Wormsnake in English - English
Midwestern Wormsnake in English - English
Worm Snake in English - English
Wurmschlange in German - Deutsch