| Carphophis | |
|---|---|
| Carphophis vermis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Subfamily: | Xenodontinae |
| Genus: | Carphophis Gervais, 1843 |
Carphophis (common name worm snakes) is a genus of small colubrid snakes. The genus consists of two species.
Contents |
Worm snakes are small snakes, 35 cm (14 in.) or less in total length. They are usually a dark brown in color, with a lighter colored, pink or orange underside. They are easily mistaken for other similar species, such as the earth snakes (Virginia sp.) and the brown snakes (Storeria sp.). They have a narrow head, small eyes, and a sharp tail tip. They are not venomous.
Worm snakes are fossorial snakes, and spend the vast majority of their time buried in loose, rocky soil, or under forest leaf litter. They are abundant within their range, but rarely seen due to their secretive nature.
Little is known about their mating habits, but breeding likely occurs in early spring. The eggs are laid in early summer. Clutch size is normally 2-5 eggs, and hatching takes place in August or September. Hatchlings range in size from 7 to 12 cm.
Worm snake diet consists almost entirely of earthworms but they will also consume other soft bodied insects.
They are a common food source for ophiophagus snake species, such as the coral snake.