Ring-necked snake
A species of Ring-necked snake, Also known as Key ringneck snake, Southern ringneck snake, Mississippi ringneck snake Scientific name : Diadophis punctatus Genus : Ring-necked snake
Ring-necked snake, A species of Ring-necked snake
Also known as:
Key ringneck snake, Southern ringneck snake, Mississippi ringneck snake
Scientific name: Diadophis punctatus
Genus: Ring-necked snake
Content
Description General Info
Photo By torreystegall , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Diadophis punctatus, commonly known as the ring-necked snake or ringneck snake, is a harmless species of colubrid snake found throughout much of the United States, central Mexico, and southeastern Canada. Ring-necked snakes are secretive, nocturnal snakes, so are rarely seen during the day time. They are best known for their unique defense posture of curling up their tails, exposing their bright red-orange posterior, ventral surface when threatened.
General Info
Lifespan
3-5 years
Diet
Ring-necked snake primarily subsists on a diet of soft-bodied invertebrates such as slugs and earthworms. Occasionally, it supplements this diet with small frogs or insect larvae, demonstrating a preference for accessible nutritious prey.
Appearance
Ring-necked snake is a slender small snake measuring up to 20 inches with smooth, scaled skin. Its primary coloration is black or dark brown with a conspicuous ringed pattern. Underneath, it features a bright yellow or red belly, often marked with black spots. Some variations may lack the ring pattern. Newborns resemble adults but are generally lighter in color. No significant differences occur due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Ring-necked snake are typically solitary and nocturnal, exhibiting secretive and burrowing behavior. They feed mainly on soft-bodied invertebrates, including slugs and earthworms. This species employs chemical cues for communication and exhibits a unique defensive posture by coiling and displaying its brightly colored belly.
Population
Stable
Photo By torreystegall , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Dipsadinae Genus
Ring-necked snake Species
Ring-necked snake