Worm snakes feed on earthworms and soft-bodied insect larvae, grubs and slugs. They typically inhabit damp woodlands or along rocky hillsides.
They are commonly found in forests adjacent to wetlands. Being fossorial species, they spend most of their time underground, living under rocks, logs and leaf litter.
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Earthworms
Worm snakes typically prey upon earthworms, as they provide them with cheap prey and essential nutrients for their development.
Worm snakes feed not only on worms, but they also consume other insects that burrow in the soil. Though nonvenomous, they will emit a foul liquid (called musk) if threatened; however, these snakes pose no danger to humans.
They rely on vibrations, taste and light to locate their prey. Their frontal sensory organs include light- and touch-sensitive cells which help them identify prey.
Earthworm health depends on the pH levels in soil. They prefer pH levels between 5.0 and 8.0, though they can be especially sensitive to acidic soils and do not thrive in highly alkaline humic soils.
Temperatures from -5 degrees to 95 degrees F can be tolerated by these species; however, they do not thrive in deserts or areas with permanent snow and ice. Dry conditions cause them to move deeper into soil layers, die or enter diapause – a state of hibernation.
Soft-bodied Insects
Worm snakes typically feed on a variety of soft-bodied insects in the wild. Earthworms are one of their staple foods, but they also eat caterpillars, slugs, snails and grubs.
Worm snakes stand out among other snakes due to the absence of their stinger. Instead, they possess a sharp point at the end of their tail that they use for puncturing prey.
Worm snakes typically live in moist or shady forest areas, where they can burrow into the soil. You may spot them in pine woods, stumps, leaf litter, mulch piles and weedy pastures.
They are oviparous, depositing 2-6 eggs in June or July. Females nestle beneath humus or decaying logs (Ernst and Barbour, 1989).
Crickets
Crickets (family Gryllidae) are an abundant family of insects found around the globe. Their melodic chirping is a familiar sound in many cultures and often celebrated in literature.
They come in a range of colors, such as black, brown, green or red. Typically they have cylindrical bodies with rounded heads equipped with long antennae and strong hind legs designed for jumping.
Crickets come in many varieties, the two most prevalent being field and house. These pests are commonly found around homes and can enter your property through cracks in the foundation, windows, doors or siding.
These predatory pests feed on a variety of foods, from plant matter and fruits to trash. Furthermore, they consume weed seeds and mulch clippings – making them an invaluable ally for gardeners.
These insects usually don’t cause problems in homes, but they can make a home in your yard if there are plenty of bushes or trees. Not only do they eat away at plants’ roots but they can also contaminate soil.
Slugs
Worm snakes often prey on slugs, although they’re not the only prey they consume. They also consume worms, salamanders and larvae as well as occasionally soft-bodied insects like spiders or caterpillars.
Worm snakes are a type of colubrid snake, an underground species found primarily in the United States. As such, they typically burrow or burrow underground for most of their existence.
These birds are typically found in the eastern United States, though they can be observed throughout much of their range. Usually found hiding beneath rocks, leaf litter or decaying logs in forests and wetlands.
These snakes are generally not dangerous to humans, though they will release a foul-smelling liquid if you pick them up and may attempt to grab you with their tail. If you want to keep one as a pet, ensure it has access to an enclosed space (a 2’X3′ one will do), with deep mulch substrates and a branch for basking.
