Diadophis punctatus amabilis

Also known as Pacific Ring-necked Snake, California Ringneck Snake, Western Ringneck Snake

Pacific ringneck snakes are small, secretive reptiles characterized by a dark slate upper surface contrasting sharply with a vibrant yellow to coral-red belly. When confronted by predators, they curl their tail tip into a bright corkscrew to expose warning colors while secreting a musky fluid. They spend most of their lives hidden beneath logs, stones, and leaf litter in moist coastal woods and shaded foothill canyons.