Earthworms may look like earthworms, but they actually eat earthworm-like creatures.
A worm snake is a type of snake that closely resembles an earthworm. These snakes are usually brown on top with a pink underside and very smooth scales. Worm snakes can grow up to 13 inches (33 cm) long, although most do not exceed 11 inches (28 cm). These snakes are generally considered to be small compared to most other types of snakes. A worm snake’s tail has a very sharp point, which it normally uses to dig into the ground.
The worm snake is native to the eastern United States and is quite common, although rarely seen by humans. It is not common to see these snakes out in the open because they tend to prefer to bury themselves in the ground, just like the earthworm they resemble. The earthworm prefers moist conditions, so burrowing in the ground is usually favorable for it. These snakes are often found inside gardens because people tend to keep garden soil moist. When conditions get dry, the wormsnake will usually go in search of another moist spot.
Earthworms generally mate in the fall and lay eggs in late summer. Most of these snakes lay no more than five eggs at a time, but fewer than two eggs are rare. Female wormsnakes tend to lay their eggs in inconspicuous places, such as leaf mounds or under large rocks. They can also lay eggs inside large pieces of rotting wood, such as stumps or logs. The eggs take a month and a half to two months to hatch. Young wormsnakes take about three years to reach full sexual maturity.
Most worm snakes eat worms, particularly earthworms. This is likely because they spend so much time on land that worms are the most readily available prey. In addition to worms, earthworms also occasionally eat insects that they find in the soil. These snakes are not poisonous and are not considered a threat to humans. If a person catches a worm snake, it does not normally bite it, but it may try to pierce a person’s hand with the sharp end of its tail. Earthworms can also produce a very strong unpleasant odor from their anal glands when they feel threatened.