Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Dipsadidae, Subfamily: Dipsadinae, Genus: Diadophis, Species: Diadophis punctatus
Widely distributed across North America, ranging from southern Canada, throughout much of the United States, down into parts of central Mexico.
Look up Ring-necked Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Dipsadidae, Subfamily: Dipsadinae, Genus: Diadophis, Species: Diadophis punctatus
Conservation
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution, large overall population, and tolerance to moderate habitat modification, though local populations face habitat fragmentation.
Physical Description
Slender body with uniform dark grey to black dorsal coloration, a distinct light yellowish-orange or whitish collar immediately behind the head, and smooth scales. The head is slightly distinct from the neck.
Size & Dimensions
This specimen appears to be a juvenile measuring approximately 15 to 20 cm. Adults typically range from 25 to 38 cm in total length, with maximum lengths reaching up to 45 or 50 cm.
Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats including moist woodlands, rocky hillsides, fields, and forest edges, typically hiding under surface cover such as logs, stones, bark, and leaf litter.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on small vertebrates including salamanders, earthworms, small frogs, lizards, and occasionally smaller snakes. Employs active foraging beneath leaf litter and surface objects.
Reproduction
Oviparous species, females deposit clutches typically ranging from 2 to 10 eggs in moist subterranean cavities, rotting logs, or beneath rocks during early summer.
Look-alikes
Can be confused with other small, secretive snakes with ringed necks such as certain flat-headed snakes or juvenile black racers, but easily distinguished by the distinct light neck ring combined with a colorful red, yellow, or orange ventral belly.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution, large overall population, and tolerance to moderate habitat modification, though local populations face habitat fragmentation.
Cultural Significance
Serves an important ecological role as both a predator of small invertebrates/amphibians and as a prey item for larger birds, mammals, and other snakes.
Notable Features
Exhibits a distinctive defensive display when threatened by curling its tail tightly upward to reveal its brightly colored underside, exposing contrasting red or yellow pigmentation to startle predators.