on my driveway

[bob chatham]

I have found a snakelike critter. it is approx 12 to 14 inches long -- very very thin --- it is the color or a spaghetti noodle but is about half the diameter. I live in NC so it has been too cold for most reptiles, although we have had a lot of rain the last few days. This thing moves very slowly and has a black head and tail -- about the size of a pin head. Granted this may be some type of worm. If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it. I am taking it to the county Ag agent at lunch. Thanks

[Chu'Wuti]

Photos would help with identification, but it sounds like you've found a horsehair worm. Check out the info here:

Horsehair Worms | University of Kentucky Entomology (http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef613.asp)

If that's not it, let us know what else you learn! Your county Ag agent is a good source of info.

[Kmef07]

CHU' how on gods green earth did you know that? you are a damn encyclopedia....that is a compliment.

[siz]

ugh those things are creepy!

[Smilts]

I'm assuming where maybe I shouldnt that writing a book can help to greatly improve research skills.:)

[Chu'Wuti]

Oh, yeah--I do know how to conduct research!! And thanks for the compliment! :)

As it happens, though, last year my DIL's father found thousands of those in his yard and asked me to identify them. So when Bob asked, I was pretty sure that's what he had.

Of course, we still don't have a photo of what Bob found, and Bob hasn't reposted to tell us what his Ag agent said they are, so we have no confirmation that my guess is correct.