File:Worm snake moving through dirt - DPLA - 0c05d659c06109194a88f8348ac7d6ff.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Reptilia; Order: Squamata; Family: Colubridae; Genus: Carphophis; Genus species: Carphophis sp. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 30 cm; Identification: The worm snake is brown or gray in color on the top with a pink underside. Worm snakes have a small head with little to no constriction at the neck. Scales are smooth and come in rows of thirteen. The tail is short and sharply pointed; Habitat: Moist rocky woodlands; Diet: Carnivore: earthworms and insects; Reproduction: Mating and courtship rituals have not been recorded, but it is thought that most mating occurs during September and October with a second lesser copulatory period occurring in early April or May. It also appears that females can store sperm over the winter. Eggs are laid during the first or second week of July and hatched in the middle of September; Behavior: These nocturnal snakes hide in burrows during the day. Worm snakes are active from March to October and are most active during April to June; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: Worm snakes do not attempt to bite when handled, but the sharp tail tip is pressed into the hand while the head makes exploratory burrowing movements.