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This site was created by students in the herpetology class at Towson University.  Site last updated: 05/21/07.

Acknowledgements: Herb Harris - Range Maps;  Mark Tegges - Photography; Dan Lapascha & Gigi Forester - TU Herpetology Logo

Eastern worm snake

Description

    This small snake superficially resembles an earthworm.  It is small, shiny, and distinctly cylindrical, and has a blunt nose for burrowing.  It is unpatterned and typically gray or black above with a bright red to pink venter.  It has smooth scales, small eyes, and the tail comes to a sharp point.  Young are colored like adults, but are often much brighter.

Habitat

    This snake is secretive and is difficult to find, but resides in damp hilly woodlands, hillsides above streams, or farmlands bordering woodlands.  Individuals can be found under rocks, decaying logs, or burrowed into loose soil.  It is more likely to be seen in spring when habitats are still moist, as it retreats to deeper soil during dry or cold periods. 

Breeding

    Mating occurs in spring and fall.  Females that breed in fall will delay fertilization until the following spring after they emerge from hibernation. Females lay 1-8 eggs in June or July, which hatch in about 7 weeks. 

Distribution in Maryland

            Range map adapted from Harris, 1975. 

Links

http://people.wcsu.edu/pinout/herpetology/camoenus/index.html

http://www.bio.davidson.edu/projects/herpcons/herps_of_NC/snakes/Car_amo.html