Posted by Mary Beth Fleming on January 15, 2007

Q: Hello -

I live in Norhtern Virginia and while I was moving a flower pot in my backyard today (Jan 2007), I noticed 3 baby snakes nestled in the cracks of an unusual mushroom that had grown under the pot. At first I thought they were worms, but as I got closer, I noticed that they were indeed snakes. They were about 6 inches in length, black with an orange stripe going down the entire length of their body. What are they?

I looked at the pictures on your site already and they didn't appear to have a ring around their necks.....

Thanks for your help.

MB :)

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Virginia

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: Well, I think I may have an identification for you but am not entirely sure. From your description, the closest I can come is the Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus). These snakes are totally harmless, never get very large (7.5-11") and really do look like a worm at first glance. I have a website with a nice photo that may help. Check out www.oplin.org

Mother snakes do not care for their young and my guess is that the snakes you saw were simply using that particular spot as a winter refuge - they weren't waiting for a parent to return. Not sure how quickly worm snakes grow but could easily believe that those snakes were more than a year old - not babies!

Thanks for writing and let's hope this is what you saw.

John Wiessinger ( January 16, 2007)