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Glite Dictionary
Carphophis

Carphophis

9.9
A small burrowing snake in eastern North America that eats earthworms
  • noun
  • /ˈkɑrfəfɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Carphophis
  • Unlike many larger snakes, the Carphophis prefers underground habitats and feeds on earthworms.

Examples

  • The Carphophis is often found beneath logs or in loose soil in the eastern United States.

  • Farmers sometimes encounter the Carphophis while tilling their fields.

  • The Carphophis is often found in moist soil.

  • Have you ever seen a Carphophis in the wild?

  • The Carphophis is a unique snake that spends most of its life burrowing underground, where it finds its food.

  • In North America, the Carphophis can be spotted in gardens, often hiding under mulch or leaves.

  • Many people are unaware that the Carphophis, also known as the worm snake, plays an essential role in soil ecosystems.

Synonyms

thunder snake
vsCarphophis
  • US
9.9

A small reddish snake that looks like a worm and lives in eastern United States woodlands

is the scientific genus covering these small burrowing snakes across North America
worm snake
vsCarphophis
7.7

A small thin snake that looks like a worm and lives under stones or logs

is the formal genus name rather than a general descriptive term

Compounds

Carphophis amoenus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small reddish-brown snake found in moist woods of the eastern United States

Surface Forms

Carphophis singular
Carphophis plural

Etymology

Carphophis comes from two Greek parts: carpho- meaning 'dry straw' or 'small dry thing' and -ophis meaning 'snake'. So the name paints a picture of a small, thin 'straw snake', which helps you remember this little burrowing snake that lives under leaves and in loose soil.