Carphophis vermis (Kennicott, 1859) – western worm snake.

Carphophis amoenus helenae ( Kennicott, 1859) – midwestern worm snake.

Carphophis amoenus amoenus (Say, 1825) – eastern worm snake.

Carphophis amoenus ( Say, 1825) – worm snake.

They can also be threatened by opossums, shrews, and moles, as well as birds. Worm snakes are a common food source for ophiophagous snake species, such as the coral snakes, Micrurus fulvius and Micrurus tener, in areas in which they are sympatric. Studies have shown that they have consumed soft-bodied insects and other invertebrate prey. Worm snakes eat almost entirely earthworms, and other annelids. Hatchlings range in size from 7 to 12 cm (about 3-5 inches). Clutch size is normally two to five eggs, and hatching takes place in August or September. Little is known about the mating habits of worm snakes, but breeding likely occurs in early spring. Studies have shown that if these species are displaced, there is no homing ability that is exhibited. Worm snakes are abundant within their ranges, but rarely seen due to their secretive nature.

It was seen that most periods of activity were for less than 12 hours, while the periods of inactivity can range from a few minutes to over two weeks. These species have fairly small home ranges (253 square meters) and the daily activity is from 3-6pm. They predominantly reside in cool, moist soils next to streams, hilly woodlands, pine forest stands, partially grassy woodsides, and farmland bordering woodlands. Worm snakes are fossorial snakes, and spend the vast majority of their time buried in loose, rocky soil, or under forest leaf litter.

Worm snakes have narrow heads, sharp tail tips, and are not venomous. They are easily mistaken for other similar species, such as the earth snakes (genus Virginia) and the brown snakes (genus Storeria). Both species are cylindrical and unpatterned, with a pointed head and small black eyes. Both sexes are usually a dark brown in color on the upperside, with a lighter-colored, pink or orange underside. Worm snakes are small snakes, 35 cm (14 in) or less in total length (including tail).

The genus consists of two species, one of which has two subspecies. Brachyorrhos, Calamaria, Carphophiops, Celuta, Coluber Ĭarphophis (common name worm snakes) is a genus of small colubrid snakes endemic to the United States.

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