What constitutes the staple, near-exclusive food source that dominates the specialized diet of the worm snake?
Answer
Earthworms
The morphology and behavior of the worm snake are heavily influenced by its highly specialized carnivorous diet. The overwhelming majority, forming the staple portion of their menu, consists of earthworms. In many geographical locations where they reside, earthworms constitute the near-exclusive food source. Their physical adaptations, including the pointed snout structure, are perfectly suited for following subterranean scents and hunting these soft-bodied invertebrates within the confined spaces of the soil matrix. While they are known to be opportunistic feeders and will consume secondary items like slugs, snails, soft-bodied insect larvae, and occasionally small salamanders, earthworms remain the primary dietary component.
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