Eastern Worm Snake

Photo Courtesy of Montgomery County Government.

Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Carphophis

Characteristics: The Eastern Worm Snake looks like an earthworm. It is a small snake ranging from 7 to 12 inches in length. The back surface is brown or black, while the belly surface is translucent pink. 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. Juveniles and adults are similar in form and coloration.

Habitat: Worm snakes are most common in forested, and wooded habitats. They are found under rocks and in rotting logs and stumps. In the winter and summer, worm snakes dig deep into the ground to escape extreme temperatures.This snake can be found under all manner of surface objects, including logs, tree bark, boards, rocks, and trash, as well as in moist logs and stumps. This snake is seldom found active on the surface and is only rarely seen crossing paved roads at night.