Ring-necked Snake
Printable VersionCommon Name:
Ring-necked Snake
Scientific Name:
Diadophis punctatus
Category:
Small, Garden Variety Snakes
Identification:
8-16 inches. Slate gray above, yellow-orange below with black dots or central row of spots; neck with a distinct yellow collar; scales smooth and in 15 rows.
Habits:
Ring-necked snakes remain concealed in leaf litter and rotted logs or under trash piles. When molested they may turn their tail upside-down in a tight coil to expose the bright orange underside. They lay from 2-5 eggs.
Distribution:
Forested or wooded areas throughout the state except the southwest portion; a record from Lake Charles may indicate connection with populations in southeastern Texas.
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