Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Dipsadinae, Genus: Diadophis, Species: D. punctatus
Widespread 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: Colubridae, Subfamily: Dipsadinae, Genus: Diadophis, Species: D. punctatus
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, as they have a wide distribution and generally stable populations, though local habitat loss can impact populations.
Physical Description
Slender body with smooth scales. Dorsal coloration is typically gray, brown, or olive-green. The head is noticeably darker (dark gray or black) with a distinct yellowish-orange or whitish collar directly behind the head. The underside is brightly colored in yellow, red, or orange.
Size & Dimensions
Typical adult size ranges from 25 to 38 cm (10 to 15 inches) in total length, with maximum lengths reaching up to 45 or 50 cm.
Habitat
Found primarily in moist environments such as open woodlands, rocky hillsides, fields, and forest edges. They often hide under logs, loose bark, rocks, and leaf litter.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on small salamanders, earthworms, and slugs, but will also consume lizards, frogs, and occasionally smaller snakes. They are active foragers.
Reproduction
Oviparous, laying clutches of 1 to 10 eggs (average 3-5) beneath rocks or logs in communal nesting sites during the early summer months.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, as they have a wide distribution and generally stable populations, though local habitat loss can impact populations.
Cultural Significance
Serves an important ecological role in controlling populations of small invertebrates and amphibians. They are frequently encountered in suburban gardens.
Notable Features
Famous for their display when threatened, where they curl their tail tightly to expose the bright red or orange ventral side as a warning signal.