Southern ring-necked snake
A species of Ring-necked snake Scientific name : Diadophis punctatus punctatus Genus : Ring-necked snake
Southern ring-necked snake, A species of Ring-necked snake
Scientific name: Diadophis punctatus punctatus
Genus: Ring-necked snake
Content
Description General Info
Photo By malisaspring , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Southern ring-necked snake is a nocturnal creature, utilizing the darkness for protection against potential predators. It exhibits a unique defensive mechanism, coiling its tail to expose its brightly colored underside, thereby confusing or deterring potential threats. In terms of its dietary habits, southern ring-necked snake predominantly feeds on small arthropods, contributing to the balance of these populations within its ecosystem.
General Info
Lifespan
3-10 years
Diet
Southern ring-necked snake is largely insectivorous, consuming mostly soft-bodied terretrial invertebrates. It displays a significant preference for slugs and earthworms, but also integrates various insects, including spiders, into its diet.
Appearance
Southern ring-necked snake is a small snake reaching up to 35cm in length with a slender body and smooth scales. It is distinguished by a dark gray or black body, interrupted by a series of bright red or orange rings. The underside is a lighter hue peppered with black. This snake does not have distinctive features such as wings, horns, or tails. There are no notable differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Southern ring-necked snake is a solitary species, primarily nocturnal, known to engage in secretive foraging. It demonstrates a unique defensive behavior by exposing a bright, often red, underside when threatened; a form of aposematism to deter predators. Southern ring-necked snake is non-territorial and its life in leaf litter and under logs underscores its preference for seclusion.
Photo By malisaspring , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Dipsadinae Genus
Ring-necked snake Species
Southern ring-necked snake