Ring-necked Snake
ExploreReptiles
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
The Ring-necked Snake is small and has a beautiful yellow ring around its neck! They are shy and prefer to hide under rocks.
Habitat: Woodlands and grasslands
Appearance
The Ring-necked Snake is a slender reptile, typically gray to black on its back. It has a distinctive bright yellow, orange, or reddish ring around its neck, which sharply contrasts with its dark body. The belly is usually a vibrant yellow or orange, making it visually unique.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyColubridaeGenusDiadophis
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
53
Interesting facts
Despite being snakes, they rarely bite humans and often coil up instead.
Ring-necked Snakes lay their small, white eggs in rotting wood or under rocks.
Their smooth scales feel surprisingly soft to the touch, not slimy at all!
These tiny snakes often play dead to trick predators into leaving them alone!
Special abilities
Ability
Flashy Defense
Ring-necked Snakes can coil their tail into a spiral to expose a bright orange belly, startling predators away.
Ability
Mild Venom Bite
Ring-necked Snakes have mild venom that helps them subdue small prey like salamanders and slugs effectively.
Ability
Scent Tracker
Ring-necked Snakes can use their forked tongue to 'taste' the air, helping them find hidden prey.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 25-45 cm
- Weight
- 0.005-0.015 kg
- Lifespan
- 6-10 years
- Top Speed
- 0.5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-10
- Incubation
- 50-70 days
Diet & Feeding
This small snake is a carnivore that enjoys dining on other small, soft-bodied creatures.
Primary Foods
- salamanders
- earthworms
- slugs
- small frogs
- insects
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
Red-backed Salamander
Plethodon cinereus
A primary food source in many habitats.
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
A common aerial predator of these snakes.
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Opportunistic nocturnal predators that may eat them.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Ringneck Snake
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Ring-necked Snake?
The easiest way to identify Ring-necked Snake is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Ring-necked Snake?
25-45 cm
How much does Ring-necked Snake weigh?
0.005-0.015 kg
How long does Ring-necked Snake live?
6-10 years
How fast can Ring-necked Snake move?
0.5 km/h
What does Ring-necked Snake eat?
This small snake is a carnivore that enjoys dining on other small, soft-bodied creatures.
Where is Ring-necked Snake usually found?
Woodlands and grasslands
How does Ring-necked Snake hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
May 6, 2026
Downtown Torrington Historic Districti
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Where to spot
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Park35 sightings13 species
Pennsylvania, US
Lyman Run State Park
You might spot Admiral Butterfly and Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
California, US
Alder Creek Grove
You might spot Sequoia, California Newt, and Pacific Dogwood.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
West Virginia, US
Battle of Camp Allegheny
You might spot Eastern Red-Backed Salamander and Wehrle's Salamander.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
Massachusetts, US
Brooks Woodland Preserve
You might spot Rhodora, Eastern Newt, and Partridgeberry.
View guide →
Zoo30 sightings12 species
Oregon, US
Cascades Raptor Center
You might spot Giant White Fawn Lily, Oregon Iris, and Western Sword Fern.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
Maryland, US
Catoctin Furnace
You might spot Pink Lady's Slipper and Eastern Red-Backed Salamander.
View guide →
