Wormsnake
Western Worm Snake
HarmlessCarphophis vermis
6 photographs of the Western Worm Snake. © Logan Stecker.
The Western Worm Snake (Carphophis vermis) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 2 countries.
- Also called
- Wormsnake
- Family
- Colubridae
- Size
- Tiny, 7–11 in.
- Habitat
- Moist woodland soil.
- Behavior
- Burrowers that feed on earthworms.
- Identify
- Glossy brown above with a pink belly; looks like a small worm.
About the Western Worm Snake
Carphophis vermis (common name western worm snake) is a species of small, nonvenomous colubrid snake native to the United States.
Etymology
The specific name, vermis, is Latin for "worm".
Physical description
The western worm snake has a dark, black or purplish dorsal coloration, with a lighter, pink or reddish underside.
Adults are usually from 19–28 cm (7.5–11 in) in total length (including tail); however, the maximum recorded total length is 37.5 cm (14.8 in).
Geographic range
The western worm snake is 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, southeastern Arkansas and western as well as middle Tennessee.
Behavior
C. vermis is fossorial, and spends the vast majority of time buried in loose, rocky soil, or under damp forest leaf litter. It is abundant within its range, but rarely seen due to its secretive nature.
Reproduction
Little is known about the mating habits of the western worm snake, but breeding likely occurs in the early spring. Eggs are laid in the early summer. Clutch size is normally 1-8 eggs, and hatching takes place in August or September. Hatchlings range in size from 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) in total length.
Diet
The western worm snake's diet consists almost entirely of earthworms, but it will also consume soft-bodied insects.
Defense
If harassed, C. vermis will often release foul smelling musk from its cloaca. If handled, it may press its tail tip into the captor's hand as a defense mechanism.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Western Worm Snake
- Is the Western Worm Snake venomous?
- No. The Western Worm Snake (Carphophis vermis) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.
- Is the Western Worm Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Western Worm Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Western Worm Snake dangerous?
- The Western Worm Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Western Worm Snake live?
- The Western Worm Snake has verified records in 2 countries, including United States of America, Mexico. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- How do I identify the Western Worm Snake?
- Glossy brown above with a pink belly; looks like a small worm.
- How big does the Western Worm Snake get?
- Tiny, 7–11 in.
- What does the Western Worm Snake eat?
- The western worm snake's diet consists almost entirely of earthworms, but it will also consume soft-bodied insects.
- Why is it called the Western Worm Snake?
- The specific name, vermis, is Latin for "worm".
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
Classification
How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.
- OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
- Squamata
- FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
- Colubridae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Carphophis
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Carphophis vermis
Keep learning
- What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
- Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
- What Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
- How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.