Which cover objects are dependable indicators of a worm snake's presence due to moisture trapping?
Answer
Decaying logs, rotting wood, and flat stones
The presence of certain objects on the ground surface serves as a strong clue to locating worm snakes because these items help maintain the necessary microclimate. Decaying logs and rotting wood provide dual benefits: they decompose to create the loose substrate preferred for tunneling, and they effectively trap and retain ground moisture. Similarly, large, flat stones that have rested on the ground for a long time create a consistently cool and damp environment underneath, offering both shelter from desiccation and proximity to their primary prey items, which favor these conditions.
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