Least Concern Conservation Status
Scientific Name
Carphophis amoenus amoenus
Range
All of Virginia
Also Known As
Blind Snake, Cricket Snake, Blind Worm
Venomous
No
Features
Brown scales and small size which makes it looks like a worm
Prey
Earthworms
Litter Size
2 to 8 Eggs per Birth
Life Span
4 Years
Length
~9 Inches

Quick Links for Eastern Worm Snake

Eastern Worm Snake Description

Eastern Worm Snake Appearance

These here in Virginia can be either dark brown or brown with their stomach being a reddish color. Due to these colors and it’s size, this snake tends to get confused with large worms rather frequently.

This snake tends to get confused with other small snakes as well, it is worth noting that this snake’s colors will stay the same with no patterns or rings.

This snake is non-venomous, and in fact, it cannot bite so it is harmless to humans. However, as a defense mechanism, they can excrete a foul smelling substance. So picking them up while safe, could be unpleasant.

Size

This snake is rather small, with adults being 7.5 – 11 inches tall. The record size was 13 inches. Females tend to be an inch larger on average.

Eastern Worm Snake

With it’s brown coloration and pinkish belly. Due to the color and size, they get confused for worms frequently.

Behavior

This snake loves moisture, in the dry season it prefers to burrow underground or hide in logs to grab as much moisture as it can. Due to this, this snake leaves it’s home during the evening to conserve moisture. In the rainy months or during the rain, this snake can roam during the day in open areas. This snake is active in the mornings, evenings, and sometimes in the night.

This snake is very docile, and can be held by humans with no issue, except for leaving an unpleasant odor when threatened. Sometimes this snake can use it’s pointed tail to try and prod prey and humans, but this tail does not break the skin.

Eastern Worm Snake Range and Habitat

Range

These are usually found in the wooded areas of the Eastern United States. The are seldom seen west of the Mississippi river, and are seen as far south as Central Georgia, and as far north as Central Ohio and Connecticut

Habitat

These snakes tend to be found in wooded areas near wetlands and swamps, and are seldom seen outside of the forested areas. These snakes prefer to hide in logs, rocks, loose soil, and piles of leaves.

Eastern Worm Snake Map Range

These Snakes can be found all over Virginia

Diet

These snakes commonly eat earthworms by swallowing them whole. The also sometimes eat soft bodied insects such as grubs, slugs, and sometimes snails.

Due to their choices of prey, they tend to hide in places where they frequent such as below logs, and near moist soil.

Reproduction and Young

Reproduction

This snake hasn’t been extensively studied and as such, most of their reproductive habits are guesswork. However, it is theorized that they mate in the spring, as both male and females are frequently seen together between April and June.

Eggs and Young

Eggs are laid in the early summer between June and July, and hatch in the late summer or early fall. There are usually between 2 to 8 eggs per nest or clutch.

Small Child holding a Eastern Worm Snake

These snakes are small and docile. As shown as a child is able to pick them up.

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