Carphophis
| Carphophis | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Carphophis vermis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Dipsadidae |
| Subfamily: | Heterodontinae |
| Genus: |
Carphophis Gervais, 1843 |
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|
| Synonyms | |
Brachyorrhos, Calamaria, Carphophiops, Celuta, Coluber
Carphophis (common name worm snakes) is a genus of small colubrid snakes endemic to the United States. The genus consists of two species.
Worm snakes are small snakes, 35 cm (14 in) or less in total length. They are usually a dark brown in color on the upperside, with a lighter-colored, pink or orange underside. They are easily mistaken for other similar species, such as the earth snakes (genus Virginia) and the brown snakes (genus Storeria). They have narrow heads, small eyes, and sharp tail tips. 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 two to five eggs, and hatching takes place in August or September. Hatchlings range in size from 7 to 12 cm (about 3-5 inches).
Worm snakes eat almost entirely earthworms, but they will also consume soft-bodied insects.
They are a common food source for ophiophagus snake species, such as the coral snakes, Micrurus fulvius and Micrurus tener, in areas in which they are sympatric.
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Wikipedia