Identification:
The worm snake is a reptile species that typically reaches a body length of up to 23 cm. The snout is relatively narrow, comprising approximately 20-33% of the head’s width. The eyes of this widespread snake species are discernible. The snake’s coloration is generally uniform, with the upper body ranging from dark brown to black, while the underside is lighter. The snout, anal region, and tail tip exhibit a paler coloration.
Biology and Ecology:
The primary diet of the worm snake consists of ant and termite eggs. It is documented as a parthenogenetic species, meaning reproduction occurs without fertilization. Whether all individuals are female or if males exist is currently undocumented. Females lay 1-7 eggs, measuring 2 x 6 mm, without fertilization. All hatched offspring are female. Worm snakes typically inhabit areas from sea level up to 1,640 meters in elevation and are commonly found underground, beneath debris on the surface, or within decaying wood near homes or in forests.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Bắc Thái (Ký Phú, Lạng Sơn), Hà Nội (Nghĩa Đô), Hà Bắc (Thăng Long), Hải Phòng (Cát Bà), Thái Bình (Đồng Tiến), Hà Tĩnh (Hoà Hải), Quản Trị (Vĩnh Linh), Quảng Nam – Đà Nẵng (Cù lao Chàm), Gia Lai (Nông trường Sông Ba), Tây Ninh, Hồ Chí Minh City, Kiên Giang (Hà Tiên).
- Global: This species is found throughout Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, and Singapore. It is also recorded in Africa, the Middle East, other regions of tropical and some temperate areas of Asia, islands in the Pacific Ocean, and from Mexico and the United States.
Conservation Status:
The population size of this species is considered relatively rare.