Eastern Worm Snake
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Eastern Worm Snake
(Carphophis amoenus)
Description: 8-14 3/4" (20.3-37.5 cm). A tiny, glossy, cylindrical-bodied snake; unpatterned gray or black above with a bright reddish-pink belly. Belly coloration extends up onto dorsal scale rows. Prefrontal and internasal scales separate. Tail short and tapers to a sharp tip. Scales smooth, in 13 rows. Anal plate divided.
Breeding: Mates April to May and September to October. 1-8 elongate, thin-shelled eggs, about 7/8" (23 mm) long, are deposited June to July and hatch about 7 weeks later. Hatchlings are 3-4" (8-10 cm) long; mature in 3 years.
Habitat: Damp hilly woodlands, partially wooded or grassy hillsides above streams, farmland bordering woodlands; sea level to 4,300' (1,300 m).
Range: Se. Nebraska and sw. and se. Iowa, southward west of the Mississippi River to nw. Louisiana.
Discussion: Secretive; dwells in damp situations under rocks, decaying logs, or stumps, or in loose soil. It is more likely to be seen in spring while habitat is still moist. During dry and cold periods it retreats deep into soil. Feeds on earthworms, and is preyed upon by milk snakes and kingsnakes. It does not bite when handled. The Western (C. vermis) and Eastern (C. amoenus) Worm Snakes were formerly considered a single species. The Eastern species is found from s. New England to c. Georgia, west to e. Arkansas and s. Illinois.