A worm snake is a type of snake that closely resembles an earthworm. These snakes are usually brown on top with pink undersides and very smooth scales. Worm snakes may grow to be up to 13 inches (33 cm) in length, although most do not exceed 11 inches (28 cm). These snakes are typically considered small when compared to most other types of snakes. The tail of a worm snake has a very sharp point on the end, which it normally uses to aid in burrowing inside the dirt.
The worm snake is native to the eastern United States and is fairly common, although it is rarely seen by humans. It is not typical to see these snakes out in the open because they tend to prefer burrowing in the dirt, similar to the earthworm they so closely resemble. The worm snake prefers conditions that are moist, which is why burrowing in the dirt is usually favorable to them. These snakes are often found inside gardens because people tend to keep their garden soil moist. When conditions become dry, the worm snake will normally leave in search of another moist location.
Worm snakes usually mate in the fall and lay eggs during late summer. Most of these snakes do not lay more than five eggs at a time, but it is uncommon for there to be less than two eggs. Female worm snakes tend to lay their eggs in inconspicuous places, such as piles of leaves or underneath big rocks. They might also lay eggs inside large pieces of rotted wood, such as stumps or logs. The eggs take roughly a month and a half to two months to hatch. It takes about three years for young worm snakes to reach full sexual maturity.
Most worm snakes eat worms, particularly earthworms. This is probably because they spend so much time in the dirt that worms are the most readily available prey. In addition to worms, worm snakes will also occasionally eat any burrowing insects they come across in the ground. These snakes are not venomous and are not considered to be any threat to humans. If a person catches a worm snake, it normally will not bite, but it may try to pierce a person's hand with the sharp point on its tail. Worm snakes can also produce a very strong, unpleasant odor from their anal glands when threatened.