Description

This species is the only representative of the wormsnake genus in Mississippi. It may be encountered throughout the state, outside of the Mississippi Delta region. It is brown to pinkish in color, with the venter being lighter than the dorsum. Belly is plain. They are a relatively widespread  species and fossorial, searching below forest floor, rock, and log cover for invertebrates. They are often found in sloped environments.

Identifying Traits

• Brown upper body with pinkish belly
• Pointed tail (sometimes referred to as a stinger but does not serve that purpose)

Subspecies Present:

Midwestern Wormsnake (Carphophis amoenus helenae)

Habitat

Damp forested or grassy hillsides (Behler & King, 1979)

Behavior

Fossorial, most often found under cover

Diet

Various invertebrates, earthworms and small insects