Ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus)

The Ring-necked Snake is a small to medium-sized snake, ranging from 8 to 34 inches (20.3 to 87 cm) in length. It is slender with smooth scales, usually in 15 to 17 rows at midbody. The body coloration varies from olive, brownish, blue-gray, to nearly black, often with a distinctive cream, yellow, or orange neckband, though some populations lack this band. The ventral side is bright yellow-orange to red, especially under the tail, marked with small black spots. The head is darker than the body, and the pupils are round. Juveniles are darker, sometimes nearly black. Males may have tubercles above the vent.

This species is widespread across North America, from southern Washington and Idaho to northern Baja California and San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific Coast. Isolated populations exist in various mountainous regions and along specific river drainages. It can be found from near sea level to elevations of around 7,200 feet (2,200 m).

 Ring-necked Snakes inhabit moist environments, including woodlands, forests, grasslands, chaparral, farms, and gardens. In arid regions, they are restricted to areas near mountains, springs, and watercourses. They prefer hiding under bark, logs, stones, and boards, and are seldom seen in open areas.

 Primarily diurnal and crepuscular, these snakes are active during mid-morning or dusk, avoiding peak daytime heat. They hibernate during late fall and winter. When threatened, they often coil their tail, exposing the bright red underside as a defense mechanism. They may also secrete a mild venom from their rear upper-jaw teeth, used primarily for subduing prey.

 Their diet consists of slender salamanders, small frogs, tadpoles, lizards, small snakes, insects, slugs, and earthworms. They use mild venom to immobilize their prey.

Ring-necked snakes are generally docile and nonaggressive. When threatened, they may exhibit defensive behaviors by coiling their bodies, lifting their tails, and emitting a musky odor. However, they are nonvenomous and pose no significant danger to humans.

The conservation status of ring-necked snakes is generally stable, as they have a wide distribution and adaptability to various habitats. However, habitat loss, fragmentation, and human-induced disturbances can impact their populations. Preserving their natural habitat and promoting awareness about their ecological importance are important for their long-term survival.

References:

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Stebbins, R. C., & McGinnis, S. M. (2018). Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians (4th ed.). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Brennan, T. C. (n.d.). Ring-necked Snake. The reptiles and amphibians of Arizona. https://reptilesofaz.org/snakes-subpages/h-d-punctatus/

Ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus). iNaturalist. (n.d.). https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/26575-Diadophis-punctatus