Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
![[Ring-necked Snake]](/images/30ds.jpg)
Description
Physical
One of our smallest snakes. The species can reach 87cm (34 in) but in our area they seldom reach 46cm (18 in).
Slender build, smooth scales, divided anal plate, round pupils.
Color and Pattern
Typically a drab Olive to Grey above, head usually distinctively darker than body. The belly is bright yellow to orange and often speckled with black dots, though sparsely in our area. In our area, the underside of the tail is usually a vibrant red and is frequently displayed when threatened. As the name suggests, the species usually has an orange or yellow ring around the neck separating the lighter colored body from the darker colored head.
Habitat
They prefer moist environments, often associated with woodland and riparian forests. Frequently found under and in rotting logs
Frequently a communal species, it is not uncommon to find multiple specimens sharing the same cover.
Diet
In our area, they largely feed upon small amphibian prey, slugs, earthworms, and insects. They will also sometimes feed upon young lizards and snakes.
Distribution Range
General range map taken from CWHR, modified.
Museum records taken from following institution: MVZ Herps.
Largely a montane species in Shasta County, they seem to completely avoid the lower Sacramento River Valley, quite possibly due to the hot dry arid summer conditions and scarcity of salamanders to prey upon.
Typical Elevation
We do not yet have enough records from distinct localities to calculate typical elevation. We need 21 more distinct localities.
Reproduction and Young
Presumably mates in the Spring. Lays eggs, presumably in summer. May nest communally.
Neonates are often much darker above than adults.
Additional Information
Notes
The CWHR range map data for this species has been modified. The original range included the valley floor which is almost certainly incorrect. Since the species largely feeds upon salamander species excluding Pacific Newts and Giant Salamanders, I removed the part of the valley where salamanders are thought to be absent. This solution is not as good as proper niche modeling would likely produce, but it is a lot better than the original range.
In most current publications, the Ring-necked Snakes in the west part of Shasta County are identified as the Northwestern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus occidentalis). On the east side of Shasta County, they are identified as an intergrade between the Northwestern Ring-necked Snake and the Coral-bellied Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus pulchellus).
However, recent taxonomical study using DNA is calling that into question. Further study is needed. Until further study has been done and a conclusion has been generally accepted, we will simply refer to any Ring-necked snake in Shasta County as the Ring-necked Snake.
Images
Unless otherwise noted, all images are of wild specimens in Shasta County.
Please be kind, do not hotlink images and do not use images without permission of the copyright owner.
![[Ring-necked Snake]](/images/30sm.jpg)
©Gary Nafis
Adult, Shasta county (from the intergrade zone between D. p. occidentalis and D. p. pulchellus)
Courtesy of CaliforniaHerps.com
Habitat Shots
Unless otherwise noted, these habitat shots are from within Shasta County where this species is known to occur.
There currently are no images to display.
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