Reptile · GBIF taxon 8763701
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatusAlso known as Ringneck Snake, Northern Ring-Necked Snake, Southern Ringneck Snake
Ring-necked snakes are secretive reptiles easily recognized by their distinct yellow or orange neck collar and brightly colored belly. When threatened, they coil their tails into tight spirals to flash warning coloration while keeping their heads protected beneath leaf litter. These small nocturnal hunters inhabit moist woodlands and rocky slopes in search of soft-bodied invertebrates and salamanders.
SecretiveNocturnalHarmless
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Earthworms
- Red-backed Salamanders
- Slugs
Predators
- Kingsnakes
- Domestic Cats
- Screech Owls
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, pesticide runoff, and predation by domestic pets
HabitatsMoist forests, woodland margins, rocky hillsides, and damp gardens
Life span6–10 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyColubridae
- GenusDiadophis
- SpeciesDiadophis punctatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Habitat Respect: Carefully roll rocks or logs toward you when searching, and gently lower them back into position.
- Gentle Handling: Minimize handling because stress causes them to discharge a smelly musky fluid from their vent.
- Night Spotting: Look for them on warm summer nights along damp gravel paths or near woodland streams.
Prey Alex Karasoulos / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Competitor Wilson44691 / Public domain · cc0
Image unavailableFrequent Companion 
Predator (c) evangrimes, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by evangrimes · cc-by
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