WESTERN EARTH SNAKE
Carphophis vermis
Constrictor- Nonvenomous
Sometimes referred to as the Western Wormsnake. It is a small snake that is usually dark purplish brown dorsal and orange to pink on the belly and lower sides. The head is flattened to aid in burrowing and the tail ends with an interesting hard point or spike that helps it maneuver through soil.
Adults grow to 7½ to 11 inches.
Rarely seen in the open Western wormsnakes live on rocky, wooded or open hillsides, or along the edge of forest where flat rocks or logs provide hiding places. It also may burrow into damp soil or leaf litter. Foods include earthworms and some soft-bodied insects, insect larvae, and eggs.
Sometimes referred to as the Western Wormsnake. It is a small snake that is usually dark purplish brown dorsal and orange to pink on the belly and lower sides. The head is flattened to aid in burrowing and the tail ends with an interesting hard point or spike that helps it maneuver through soil.
Adults grow to 7½ to 11 inches.
Rarely seen in the open Western wormsnakes live on rocky, wooded or open hillsides, or along the edge of forest where flat rocks or logs provide hiding places. It also may burrow into damp soil or leaf litter. Foods include earthworms and some soft-bodied insects, insect larvae, and eggs.
Photo by Peter Paplanus
