REPTILES OF THE VIC/NTTY OF NEW YORK CITY 97 



Descriptive List of the Snakes, 

 harmless species. 



FlQ. 3. WORM SNAKE 



The Worm Snake, Carpliophis amcenus (Fig. 3), is a di- 

 minutive species which, though fairly abundant, is seldom 

 seen, owing to its secretive habits. The Worm Snake Worm 

 is quite characteristic in appearance with its smooth, Snake. 

 shining, cylindrical body and sharp snout; the head and neck 

 are of the same width. In color this little serpent is quite 

 somber and in harmony with the surroundings in which it lives. 

 Above, it is light brown or brownish gray; beneath, the color is a 

 delicate shade of pink. In length, the species seldom exceeds 

 eleven inches. 



This reptile might possibly be confounded with the Storer's 

 Snake and the DeKay's Snake, which small, retiring species it 

 in a way resembles, principally in color and size, but it may be 

 immediately recognized by its smooth scales ; both of the other 



