Ring Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Ring snakes are named so because of a yellow band around the neck. Its back is either slate gray, black or brown with smooth scales and a satin-like appearance. They prefer moist woodlands as their habitat.

These snakes are found in Canada and Mexico as well as the United States. They are a secretive snake rarely seen in the wild. They are very weak constrictors that feed on worms small salamanders lizards and occasionally small snakes. When threatened they coil up their tails and display their brightly colored under bellies which can be red, yellow and orange they use this as a defensive tactic. There are approximately a dozen different species of the Ring necked snake.

Ringnecks are most likely to end up in someone's basement. Ringneck snakes rarely bite, but may release a foul musk when handled. Although salamanders make up the bulk of their diet, ringnecks will also feed on earthworms, insects and, on occasion, fish. As relatively small snakes, they rarely bask in the open and are generally found under cover (rocks, logs, boards, debris) during the day. Like the salamanders on which they prey, ringnecks are usually nocturnal. They are most active in spring and fall and are rarely seen during summer.

Females lay eggs.

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