The Sharp-nosed Snakes 



to constitute but a colour variation. Young specimens are 



always much darker than the parent. During the second year 



they change from a dark gray to the brown of the adult specimen. 



Dimensions. — The measurements given are of an adult. 



Total Length 9i inches. 



Length of Tail i J 



Greatest Diameter i 



Width of Head ^V " 



Distribution. — Southern Massachusetts, southward to the 

 Gulf of Mexico; westward to Kansas. The species is particularly 

 abundant in the Black Mountains of North Carolina. 



Habits. — While quite abundant in many districts, this 

 worm-like reptile is not commonly seen. It may sometimes be 

 found wandering over damp leaves in the woods, after heavy 

 rains, but its diminutive size and sober colours render it incon- 

 spicuous when abroad from its subterraneous haunts, and the 

 species is considered rare in many localities where careful search 

 would reveal the presence of numerous specimens. These snakes 

 are often unearthed by the plough, they may also be found under 

 the soft, loose bark of fallen and decaying tree trunks, or in 

 the mouldy deposits, consisting of fallen leaves and disintegrating 

 vegetation that exist in timbered regions. The species feeds 

 largely upon earthworms and the soft-bodied grubs of insects. 

 In captivity it always endeavours to secrete itself and lives but 

 a short time unless provided with moss and leaves or sand in 

 which to hide. It is a very mild-tempered reptile and can seldom 

 be induced to bite. 



The Worm Snake is oviparous, depositing a small number 

 of elongated, soft eggs during the later part of July or early in 

 August. The young snakes are rather large in proportion to the 

 size of the parent, though beside a half-grown earthworm, 

 they appear diminutive. A freshly hatched specimen measures 

 3V inches in length, and slightly less than an one-eighth of an 

 inch in diameter at the thickest part of the body. It is very 

 probable that the larvae of ants form a large part of the food of 

 these minute reptiles. 



The Genus Ficimia. Several Mexican species are recog- 

 nised; one occurs in the United States. 



Size rather small; body stout; head slightly distinct. Snout 

 sharp and conical; slightly upturned. Examined from above, 



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