Ring-Necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
A small, secretive colubrid identified by a bright ring of color around its neck, common across much of North America.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.25-0.4 m (10-16 in)
- Range
- Widespread across the United States, Mexico, and parts of Canada
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Overview
The Ring-Necked Snake is one of the most widespread small snakes in North America, found from southern Canada through the United States into Mexico. Despite its broad range, it is rarely seen due to its secretive, nocturnal habits and preference for hiding under cover.
Its name comes from the distinctive colored ring encircling its neck, which contrasts sharply with its otherwise plain, dark dorsal coloration.
How to identify it
- Smooth, dark gray, olive, or bluish-black dorsal coloration
- Bright yellow, orange, or red ring around the neck
- Underside often bright yellow or orange, sometimes with dark spots
- Small, slender body
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from other small snakes by the vivid neck ring and colorful belly
Habitat & range
Found in a wide variety of habitats including woodlands, grasslands, and rocky hillsides, typically hiding under rocks, logs, or leaf litter across its extensive North American range.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive and largely nocturnal or crepuscular, feeding on small salamanders, earthworms, slugs, and juvenile snakes. When threatened, may curl its tail to display the bright underside as a warning. Oviparous.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ring-Necked Snake dangerous?
No, it is harmless to humans, with only a mild venom used to subdue small prey.
How can you identify it?
By the bright ring of color around its neck and its colorful, often yellow or orange, underside.
Where does it live?
Across a wide range of habitats throughout the United States, Mexico, and parts of southern Canada.
What does it eat?
Small salamanders, earthworms, slugs, and juvenile snakes.
Ring-Necked Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Ring-Necked Snake.
Ring-Necked Snake identified by the community
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