Snakes are amazing creatures can be found all over the world, in environments ranging from deserts to forests to swamps. But did you know that some share traits with other animals and that some snakes look like worms?
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most interesting snake species that look like worms. We’ll also assist you in identifying them so you know if you have one in your garden!
10 Snakes that look like worms
They have long bodies covered in scales to protect themselves from predators and due to the close overlap of their scales, the snake can swim through water without getting wet because of a waterproof layer that is created.
These are just a few of the characteristics that make snakes among the most fascinating animals in the world. Here are 10 incredible snake species that happen to look like worms.
1. Western blind snake
Scientific Name: Rena humilis
Western blind snakes are medium-sized snakes native to the southern United States and parts of Mexico. These snakes are active at night and live in areas with sandy soil and grass. Western blind snakes also come in a variety of colors, including brown, purple, and silver.
Adult Western blind snakes grow to be about 12 inches long. The majority of their time during the day is spent hiding underground or in other crevices since they are nocturnal creatures. Although the western blind snake is not poisonous like other snakes, it can bite if handled roughly or if it feels threatened by something in its surroundings (like humans).
2. Eastern Worm Snake
Scientific Name: Carphophis amoenus amoenus
Eastern worm snakes are a species of snake found in North America. They are the only species in their genus and, despite being reptiles, are sometimes referred to as the “eastern earthworm snakes.” These snakes can reach a length of 13 inches and are darkish brown with un-patterned scales.
Eastern worm snakes are nocturnal and spend the majority of their time underground, hunting for earthworms, slugs, and other invertebrates. They are not venomous and are not dangerous to humans, but they can bite if handled roughly or stepped on.
These animals prefer to live in forests with moist soil and leaf litter, which provides good cover for their prey. They have been observed living in rocky outcroppings and limestone caves, as well as along stream banks where there are large rocks or logs to hide beneath during the day when other animals are active above the ground (such as birds).
3. Brahminy blind snake
Scientific Name: Indotyphlops braminus
Brahminy blind snakes are small snakes found in Asia and Africa. These blind snakes grow up to 10 cm long, and eat larvae, eggs, and pupae of ants and termites.
Brahminy blind snakes are non-venomous, so they don’t pose any threat to humans. Because they are so small, they are completely harmless to other animals in their ecosystems. In fact, they are known to be the smallest snake species!
These snakes are light brown in color with scales on their back because these animals are burrowing snakes, their scales are smooth, making it easier for them to move through areas with rough terrains, such as rocks or logs. This is also why they are frequently misidentified as worms.
4. Waray dwarf burrowing snake
Scientific Name: Levitonius mirus
The Waray dwarf burrowing snake is a small snake that lives in the Philippines’ forested areas. It is one of the world’s smallest snake species, with adults reaching about 15 cm (about 6 inches) in length.
This species of snake thrives in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, mangrove swamps, and rice paddies. It also adapted to underground life by having a short tail and no legs or claws. Its body is round and flattened, allowing it to move through tight spaces between rocks or soil particles without becoming stuck.
5. Sharp-Tailed Snake
Scientific Name: Contia tenuis
The Sharp-Tailed Snake is a type of snake found in the United States. It is found in California, Oregon, and some parts of Canada, including British Columbia. The sharp-tailed snake is about 12 inches long, with a reddish or brownish body and a black side.
The sharp-tailed snake is a small snake that feeds on slugs and slug eggs. Prior to consumption, they use their tail to stabilize their prey, such as slugs and earthworms.
6. Malagasy Blind Snake
Scientific Name: Xenotyphlops grandidieri
Dwarf blind snakes, also known as Malagasy blind snakes, are species of snake in the Xenotyphlopidae family. They can only be found in Madagascar, where they live in coastal forests.
These creatures live in burrows in the ground and eat small insects such as termites and ants. Malagasy blind snakes are also threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation.
These snakes are small snakes that can grow to about 10 inches long. They have slim bodies covered in smooth scales and rounded tails. Their small eyes can’t see well, which is why they’re called “dwarf blind snakes,” and they have a translucent pinkish color that makes them look like worms!
7. Reticulate Worm Snake
Scientific Name: Amerotyphlops reticulatus
The reticulate worm snake is a type of snake that belongs to the Typhlopidae family. It is easily identified by its glossy black or dark grayish brown color and a white snout. This creature can be found in a variety of habitats, from rainforests and grasslands to cultivated fields, pastures, and rural gardens.
It also feeds on ants and termites found in burrows and nests underground. This worm snake is typically found in areas with dense vegetation, such as the rainforest floor or agricultural land. The reticulated worm snake is nocturnal, spending the majority of its time underground searching for food at night.
8. Ringneck snake
Scientific Name: Diadophis punctatus
The ringneck snake is a colubrid snake that is native to North America. It is one of the most common snakes in North America, and its distinctive coloration makes it easy to identify.
The black head and neck of the ringneck snake are surrounded by red-orange rings. The body is brownish-red with black spots and blotches on it, and the tail is black with red spots or patches on it. The snake’s underside is white or cream in color.
The ringneck snake can reach a length of one foot (30 cm). It lacks venom but does have teeth (25 on each side of its upper jaw and 10 on each side of its lower jaw) that can cause a painful bite if provoked.
This species lives in burrows dug by other animals such as rabbits or squirrels, but it can also be found on the ground surface under rocks, logs, and other objects.
9. Texas Brown Snake
Scientific Name: Storeria dekayi texana
The Texas brown snake is a snake species found in North America. Although they are not venomous, their bites can cause mild pain and swelling.
These amazing snakes grow up to 1 to 2 feet long, with most adults measuring about 18 inches. They have flattened heads, giving them the appearance of a worm rather than a snake. The body is a brownish-yellow color with black markings on the back.
Two stripes run from behind its head to the tip of its tail on each side of its body. The Texas brown snake feeds on earthworms, fish, and amphibians.
These snakes can catch prey with their tongues by emitting an odor that draws prey into striking range before striking them with mouths open wide enough to swallow prey whole (or sometimes half-eaten).
10. Baja California Cape wormsnake
Scientific Name: Rena boettgeri
The Cape thread snake is a small burrowing snake native to the dry coastal chaparral of Mexico. It is diurnal, which means it hunts and eats insects during the day. It has smooth scales and undefined eyes, giving it the appearance of a worm.
The Cape thread snake is distinguished by its small size (about 6 inches long) and gray-brown body coloration. This snake lives in burrows and is typically found in sandy soil near water sources such as rivers or streams, where it hunts for insects, which comprise the majority of its diet.
