Reptile · GBIF taxon 6161394
Prairie Ringneck Snake
Diadophis punctatus arnyiThe Prairie Ringneck Snake is a small, slender gray or dark snake with a yellow or orange collar and a brightly colored belly marked by dark spots. It spends much of its time beneath flat cover and may coil its tail to display warning color when disturbed.
Small SnakeNeck RingPrairie Reptile
Licensed reference(c) Chris Stahl, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Earthworms
- Slugs
- Salamanders
Predators
- Hawks
- Owls
- Larger snakes
ThreatsPrairie conversion, road mortality, pesticide use, persecution, and destructive rock turning
HabitatsTallgrass prairie, rocky grassland, woodland edge, ravines, and moist ground beneath cover
Life spanLikely several years; detailed wild longevity is not well documented
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyColubridae
- SpeciesDiadophis punctatus arnyi
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Do not handle or peel back habitat cover; leave every rock and board as found.
Responsible observation
- Collar: Look for a narrow yellow or orange ring behind the head.
- Belly: Bright underside color may show when the tail coils defensively.
- Cover: Never overturn rocks solely to search for snakes.
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