What color range characterizes the distinctly different belly (ventral) pigmentation of the worm snake?
Answer
Pink, reddish-pink, or salmon-pink.
A significant visual feature distinguishing the worm snake from actual earthworms is the striking disparity between its upper body coloration and its underside. The dorsal surface, or back, generally displays muted shades such as brown, dark brown, black, or even purplish-black. In stark contrast, the belly (ventral side) is characterized by bright, distinct pigmentation. This ventral coloration is consistently described as pink, reddish-pink, or salmon-pink. Furthermore, this pinkish pigment is not strictly confined to the belly, as it frequently extends upward to color the lower one or two rows of the dorsal scales.
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