I got to move a gorgeous prairie ringneck snake away from a curious dog today but didn’t have my camera available for photos.
May I humble request some cute ringneck snakes? Maybe a fun fact or two?
Oh yes, one of my fav snakes!!!
Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus), family Colubridae, found throughout much of the US, far SE Canada, and much of Mexico
Fossorial (burrowing) and nocturnal.
Found in a variety of habitats with ample ground cover.
Often encountered in leaf litter or under rocks and logs.
Known for flashing the bright colors on their underside to deter predation.
They are believed to be abundant throughout their range, but there is little data on their populations and habits.
Feed mainly on slugs, earthworms, small reptiles and amphibians.
Rear-fanged, and very mildly venomous, with a venom that acts on cold blooded prey (the venom does not affect humans).
Sometimes found in dens of up to 100 individuals (though usually in much smaller groups).
Regal Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus regalis), family Colubridae, Mexico
photograph by Bruno Sanchez Perez
Pacific Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus amabilis), family Colubridae, Northern CA, USA
photographs by Bob Ferguson
Southern California or San Bernardino Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus), family Colubridae, Southern CA, USA
photograph by Berkeley Martineau
Northwestern Ringneck Snake (D. p. occidentalis)
photo: Joel Sauder - Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game
San Diego Ringneck Snake (D. p. similis)
photographs by californiaherps.com
Prairie Ringneck Snakes (D. p. arnyi) in Oklahoma
Northern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii), family Colubridae, Berks County, PA, USA
photograph by Adrian Bara-Popa
Southern Ringneck Snake (D. p. punctatus), GA, USA
photograph by Benjamin Genter
