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ODNR Division of Wildlife - Fishing - Trout Stockings
ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Eastern Wormsnake

 Eastern Wormsnake

eastern wormsnake
Although wormsnakes do not bite, when handled they continually try to push between one's fingers with both their head and tail--which has a spine-like tip. This tail spine has deceived some people into believing that snakes have stingers; however, no snake has a stinger.

Eastern Wormsnake
Carphophis amoenus amoenus

At-a-Glance

• Typical foods: Worms and soft-bodied insects

• Length: 7.5-11 inches
Description
Probably no snakes more closely resemble an earthworm than the wormsnakes. They have a small, pinkish brown body, shiny iridescent scales, and a small, narrow head which is not distinct from the translucent body.

Habitat and Habits
Wormsnakes range throughout the southern third of the state, particularly southeastern Ohio. These reptile versions of the night crawler are rarely encountered in the open, but can be discovered under large, flat slabs of rock, logs, and other debris. They show a marked preference for moist earth, such as hillside seeps. During dry weather worm snakes work deep into the ground, seeking moisture.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Mating usually occurs in the spring and one to eight thin-shelled eggs are laid in the summer. The young hatch seven weeks later and reach maturity three years later. No parental care is involved.