Western Worm Snake
Carphophis vermis
A small, uniformly purplish-brown burrowing snake of the central plains, closely resembling its eastern relative.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 19-28 cm (7.5-11 in)
- Range
- Central United States, from Iowa and Nebraska south to Texas and Louisiana
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Overview
The Western Worm Snake is a small fossorial colubrid closely related to the Eastern Worm Snake, occupying prairie and woodland habitats across the central United States. It shares the same secretive, burrowing lifestyle as its eastern counterpart.
It is rarely seen unless cover objects are turned over, spending most of its life hidden in loose, moist soil.
How to identify it
- Small, slender, glossy body, uniformly dark brown to purplish-black above with no pattern
- Bright pink to salmon belly extending partly up the sides
- Tiny head with small eyes, barely distinct from the neck
- Smooth scales; short pointed tail
- Distinguished from the Eastern Worm Snake mainly by range, as the two species do not overlap significantly
Habitat & range
Found in prairies, open woodlands, and rocky hillsides with loose soil, often under logs, rocks, or leaf litter in moist microhabitats.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Fossorial and secretive, spending most of its time underground or beneath surface cover. Feeds mainly on earthworms and soft-bodied invertebrates. Lays eggs in early summer, often depositing them communally under shared cover.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Western Worm Snake venomous?
No, it is entirely non-venomous and poses no threat to humans.
How does it differ from the Eastern Worm Snake?
The two species look very similar but occupy largely separate ranges, with the Western Worm Snake found across the central plains.
What does it eat?
Earthworms make up the vast majority of its diet.
Where would I find one?
Under rocks, logs, or leaf litter in prairies and open woodlands with loose, moist soil.
Western Worm Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Western Worm Snake.
Western Worm Snake identified by the community
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