ExploreReptile

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
Ring-necked Snake
wildlife trait badgesolitary trait badgeforest trait badgelongevous trait badge
Ring-necked Snake

Category

Reptile

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5

Snaps

18

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

Traits

Also known as

Ringneck Snake

Safety

Danger

2/5

Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How many eggs does Ring-necked Snake lay?

2-10

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

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