Diadophis punctatus
ring-necked snake

Ringneck snakes are common snakes occurring throughout eastern and central North America. Their range extends from Nova Scotia, southern Quebec, and Ontario to south-central Mexico, covering the entire eastern seaboard except for areas along the gulf coasts of south Texas and northeast Mexico. The range extends laterally to the Pacific coast except for large areas in drier regions of the western United States and Mexico. (Conant and Collins, 1998)

Areas with abundant hiding places are preferred by all subspecies of D. punctatus but, beyond that, they occur in a wide variety of habitats. Gently moistened soil and 27 to 29 degrees Celsius provide optimal conditions. Northern and western subspecies prefer coverage under stones or under the loose bark of dead trees, and are often found in open woodlands near rocky hillsides. Southern subspecies tend to stay in conspicuously wet locales, such as swamps, damp forests, or riparian woodlands. (Ditmars, 1930; Dundee and Miller III, 1968)

The dorsum of ringneck snakes varies among subspecies from blue-gray to light brown to greenish-gray, but it is always solid, except for a distinctive golden ring around the neck. The ring may be interrupted or, in the cases of the regal ringneck snakes (D. punctatus regalis) and key ringneck snakes D. punctatus acricus, may appear only as a trace or be completely absent. The abdomen is orange-yellow, but western and extreme southern subspecies show a change in color to orange-red toward the posterior. The presence and configuration of black spots on the abdomen can be used to distinguish subspecies. (Conant and Collins, 1998)

Eastern subspecies have 15 scale rows at the anterior end; western subspecies have 17. Scales are smooth and the anal plate is divided. The species has a length of 25 to 38 cm, except D. punctatus regalis, which measures 38 to 46 cm. Newborn snakes have the same markings and coloration as adults. Generally speaking, adult females are longer than adult males. Molting occurs in all months of the year. (Blanchard, 1942; Conant and Collins, 1998; Myers, 1965)

Female ringneck snakes reach an average of 20 cm in the first year, representing a 60% increase in length. In the second year they grow to about 24.5 cm and, in the third year, females tend to increase to approximately 29 cm. The fourth year they tend to reach about 34 cm, and in the fifth year they can be expected to reach 39 cm.

Males are slightly larger in the earlier stages of development, usually reaching 21.9 cm in the first year, 26 cm in the second, 28 cm in the third year, and about 31 cm in the fourth year. (Ernst and Ernst, 2003)

The longest recorded lifespan in captivity is 6 years 2 months. In the wild, though, ringnecks have been recorded as having lived over 10 years. It is thought that they may have a lifespan approaching 20 years in the wild. (Blanchard, 1942; Blanchard, Gilreath, and Blanchard, 1979; Ernst and Ernst, 2003)

Individuals can sometimes be found during daylight hours warming themselves under rocks directly exposed to the sun in open wooded areas. Ringneck snakes, however, are only active at night. In addition, ringneck snakes perennially return to single denning sites. (Conant and Collins, 1998; Dundee and Miller III, 1968)

This is a secretive, non-aggressive species that prowls nocturnally and rarely exposes itself to daylight. Despite their secretiveness, however, ringneck snakes are social animals and many populations exist as large colonies, numbering 100 individuals or more. Communities of six or more may be found sharing a single microhabitat. No information is known on the hierarchical structure of ringneck snake colonies. (Blanchard, 1942; Blanchard, Gilreath, and Blanchard, 1979; Dundee and Miller III, 1968)

Touching, rubbing, head nuzzling, and pheromones are all ways of communication for ringneck snakes. Males rub their heads on females during mating, and females release pheromones from their skin when trying to attract a mate. Ringneck snakes perceive the world around them via sight, smell, and touch. (Ernst and Ernst, 2003)

Prey of D. punctatus consists of small salamanders, lizards, and frogs, as well as earthworms and juvenile snakes of other species. Frequency of specific prey in the diet is dependent on availability. reports show that Michigan populations of eastern ringneck snakes (D. punctatus edwardsii) prey almost exclusively on red-backed salamanders. Ringneck snakes employ partial constriction to subdue their prey. (Blanchard, Gilreath, and Blanchard, 1979; Conant and Collins, 1998; Ditmars, 1930)

When ringneck snakes are alarmed, the tail is coiled and raised toward the intruder. This behavior occurs only in populations where the orange-red posterior is present. The red coloration may act as a warning signal. Western subspecies feign death on further provocation. When the snake is held, a musky saliva is secreted from the corners of its mouth, accompanied by a pungent, clinging odor. (Bustard, 1969; Conant and Collins, 1998)

Predators include coral snakes, kingsnakes, and racers. Other snakes sharing the geographical areas of the ringneck snake may also be predators. In addition, wild hogs, opossums, shrews, armadillos, skunks, screech owls, and bullfrogs are all suspected predators. Large spiders and centipedes have been observed feeding on juvenile ringneck snakes. (Dundee and Miller III, 1968; Myers, 1965)

Ringnecks may play a small role in biodegration by moving through surface debris such as branches and leaves within forests. They also take on the role of predator and prey within their habitat, helping to control pest populations and serving as sustenance for larger animals. (Blanchard, Gilreath, and Blanchard, 1979; Conant and Collins, 1998; Dundee and Miller III, 1968)

Ringneck snakes do not adversely affect humans, though, at times, they may cause a slight inconvenience. Due to urbanization, it is not uncommon to find ringneck snakes in one's basement. In these circumstances ringnecks pose no real threat, and must simply be relocated. (Conant and Collins, 1998; Dundee and Miller III, 1968)

Ringneck snakes are valued in the pet trade for their attractive coloration, and also play a part in research and education. Because they pose no real threat to humans, they are ideal for work with younger children in a school setting. Ringneck snakes also help in controling pest populations. (Conant and Collins, 1998; Dundee and Miller III, 1968)

Three subspecies are candidates for the federal endangered or threatened species lists. They are San Diego ringneck snakes (Diadophis punctatus similis), San Bernardino ringneck snakes (Diadophis punctatus modestus), and key ringneck snakes (Diadophis punctatus acricus). Key ringneck snakes are also a threatened species in the state of Florida and are protected under state law. The range of that subspecies is limited to a single island in the Florida Keys. In Idaho, regal ringneck snakes (Diadophis punctatus regalis), and northwestern ringneck snakes (Diadophis punctatus occidentalis), are considered species of special concern, and are protected under state law. (Scott, 1996)

Although ringneck snakes are rarely observed, they are fairly common throughout their range. They are secretive snakes and generally remain hidden. (Scott, 1996)

Ringnecks rarely bite but may release a foul smelling musk when handled. (Dundee and Miller III, 1968)