Eastern Worm Snake
Carphophis amoenus
A very small snake that averages 7-11 inches in length. It has smooth, unpatterned scales and a specialized spine-like scale at the tip of its short tail. Its dorsal surf…
How to identify
A very small snake that averages 7-11 inches in length. It has smooth, unpatterned scales and a specialized spine-like scale at the tip of its short tail. Its dorsal surface is usually a uniform medium-brown, and its ventrum is light and pinkish. Its head is small and the same width as its body.
Range
East central United States, from Massachusetts to South Carolina, and west to the Mississippi River.
Habitat
Found in moist areas of rocky woodlands, hidden under rotting logs or stumps. Most common at the edges of forests and wetlands, or in grasslands next to wooded areas.
Variations
Their dorsal color can be light tan to dark brown.
Similar species
Most similar to the western worm snake (*Carphophis vermis*) which has a more distinct red ventrum. Could be confused with the smooth earth snake (*Virginia valeriae*) or the flat-headed snake (*Tantilla gracilis*) which lack the tail spine.
Name and etymology
Genus
Carphophis
Greek for straw (karphos) snake (ophis).
Origin
Sources
- Gervais, 1843. D'Orbigny's Dict. Univ. Hist. Nat., Vol. 3, p. 191
Carphophis. Gervais, 1843 - D'Orbigny's Dict. Univ. Hist. Nat., Vol. 3, p. 191
Species epithet
amoenus
Latin for lovely.
Origin
Sources
- (Say, 1825). Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, Vol. 4, Pt. 2, p. 237 ↗
Carphophis amoenus. (Say, 1825) - Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, Vol. 4, Pt. 2, p. 237
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
East central United States, from Massachusetts to South Carolina, and west to the Mississippi River.
Habitat
Found in moist areas of rocky woodlands, hidden under rotting logs or stumps. Most common at the edges of forests and wetland…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap