Northern Ringneck Snake
Diadophis punctatus edwardsii
Conservation Status:
State Status: Secure
Global Assessment: Least Concern
Photographed by Rebecca Gerlenter
Description
Ringneck snakes are small, growing eight to seventeen inches. They have smooth scales that are a bluish or dark gray with a yellow ring around the neck. The stomach is orange or yellow with black speckles.
Habitat
These snakes can be found anywhere with moist soil, such as forests, wetland edges, or hilly areas. They are also commonly found in gardens.
Behavior
Ringneck snakes often hide underneath debris on the ground such as rocks or logs. Over the winter they hibernate in
stone walls, sometimes even venturing into basements. They primarily eat invertebrates and small amphibians. Some of their predators are birds and bullfrogs. When threatened, they will coil their tail, making their bright stomachs visible in an attempt to warn their attacker. When handled, they release an unpleasant smell. They are very docile and do not bite. Over the summer they will lay one to five eggs.
Range
Present
