Harmless. Shiny, smooth scales. Body uniform dark gray above; pink or coral belly, color extends up onto second scale row of body. Head is flattened to aid in burrowing. Young same as adults, but belly may be more intense pink. Carphophis vermis (Carphophis amoenus vermis)This species lives in damp places under rocks, in decaying logs or stumps, or in loose soil. It is more likely to be seen in spring while habitat is still moist.
Ten Facts about Western Worm Snake
- They can grow to lengths of 28 centimetres (11 in).
- Western worm snakes are found in the United States in southern Iowa, southeastern Nebraska, eastern Kansas, western Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana, eastern Oklahoma, and northeastern Texas with isolated records from southwestern Wisconsin, and southeastern Arkansas.
- Spend the vast majority of time buried in loose, rocky soil, or under damp forest leaf litter.
- Breeds in spring and lays up to 5 eggs that hatch in August.
- Eats earthworms.
- If harassed, they will often release a foul smelling musk from its cloaca.
- If handled, they may press their tail tip into the captor's hand as a defense mechanism, but harmless to humans.
- They are very short, that they can't live more than 1-2 years.
- Because of its tiny size they are very easy in hunting for birds, other snakes, frogs, raccoons.
- Also known as Carphophis vermis.
