Ringneck Snakes

Ringneck snakes, Diadophis punctatus are often mistaken for worms or baby snakes at first glance. A slender snake with an average adult size of only 10 inches, it's not hard to see why. One of the most distinguishing features of the Ringneck snake are it'd bright neck ring and matching belly. The color, thickness, and continuity of the ring can vary and is usually associated with subspecies that are for the most part geographically unique.

There are many different subspecies of Ringneck, and they range throughout the United States with the exception of the Rocky mountain and Dakota regions. According to the Peterson field guide maps, Northern Ringnecks have golden/yellow rings and range from New England to the south and west through parts of Tennessee. Southern Ringnecks tend to have interrupted ring patterns and can be found from southern New Jersey through Florida. The Regal Ringneck is found in the southwest and can be quite a bit larger than the other subspecies.

As you can probably imagine, small snakes have small mouths, and for the most part this takes mammals and birds off the menu. In fact the Ringneck is more likely to be the prey than the predator. The Ringneck's diet is also dependant on the prey available in their geographic area. Small salamanders, such as Red-backed Salamanders, Plethodon cinereus, make up a large part of the Northern Ringneck's diet. Slugs and earthworms and insects are also taken.

Female Ringnecks tend to be larger than males. Snakes mature after 3 years and can lay up to 10 eggs. Like many snakes, they have the ability to store sperm. This means that even though eggs are laid in early summer, mating can happen in spring or fall. The eggs are small (only about an inch long) and they are sometimes laid communally in moist areas, under cover.

Although these snakes are fairly common, you might not come across them very often. Besides being small and therefore having an easier time hiding, they are shy and more active at night. You may find them under bark or "basking" under warm objects in the sun. They rarely bite, but if you come across a one and handle it, you may get musked. If you are not familiar with snake musk, is a foul smelling liquid that is hard to wash off. Once you become acquainted with it it's hard to forget! Due to their diet and shyness, they are a bit challenging to successfully keep in captivity, so you may want to think twice before bringing one home. Happy herping!