Ringnecks rarely bite but may release a foul smelling musk when handled.
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.
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.
Known Predators:
Anti-predator Adaptations: aposematic
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.
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.
Range length: 25.5 to 46 cm.
Other Physical Features: heterothermic
Sexual Dimorphism: female larger
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.
Range lifespan
Status: wild: 20 (high) years.
Average lifespan
Status: wild: 10 years.
Range lifespan
Status: captivity: 6 (high) years.
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.
Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland ; chaparral ; forest
Wetlands: marsh
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.
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )
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.
Animal Foods: amphibians; reptiles; mollusks; terrestrial worms
Primary Diet: carnivore (Eats terrestrial vertebrates, Vermivore)
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.
Ecosystem Impact: biodegradation
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.
Positive Impacts: pet trade ; research and education; controls pest population
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.
Negative Impacts: household pest
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.
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.
Although ringneck snakes are rarely observed, they are fairly common throughout their range. They are secretive snakes and generally remain hidden.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
State of Michigan List: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
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.
Communication Channels: tactile ; chemical
Other Communication Modes: pheromones
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; chemical
Pheromones released from the skin of a female ringneck snake attracts males during mating season. Rarely have ringneck snakes been observed mating, amounting to no more than 6 recorded sightings. While mating, males rub their closed mouths on their mate's body. They then bite the female around her neck ring, align their bodies with the female's, and release their sperm.
Mating System: polygynandrous (promiscuous)
Mating of ringneck snakes can occur in spring or fall--delayed fertilization is possible--and eggs are laid in June or early July. Females lay eggs each year, 3 to 10 eggs can be laid at one time, and are deposited together in covered, moist locations. In areas where colonies exist, it is not uncommon to find eggs laid in communal nests. A single egg is white with yellow ends and is elongated, approximating 1 inch in length. Juveniles hatch in August or September.
Reproductive maturity of both sexes is reached at the age of three years, that is, by their fourth summer. Male ringneck snakes mature at a smaller size than females do.
Breeding interval: Ringneck snakes breed once each year.
Breeding season: Ringneck snakes breed in the spring or fall.
Range number of offspring: 3 to 10.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 3 years.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 3 years.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; sexual ; oviparous ; delayed fertilization
Ringneck snake eggs are not cared for, there is no parental investment after choosing a nest site and laying the eggs. This largely contributes to the high mortality rate of young ringneck snakes.
Parental Investment: no parental involvement
Diadophis punctatus, commonly known as the ring-necked snake or ringneck snake, is a harmless species of colubrid snake found throughout much of the United States, central Mexico, and south-eastern Canada. Ring-necked snakes are secretive, nocturnal snakes, so are rarely seen during the day time. They are best known for their unique defense posture of curling up their tails, exposing their bright red-orange posterior, ventral surface when threatened.
Ring-necked snakes are believed to be fairly abundant throughout most of their range, though no scientific evaluation supports this hypothesis. Scientific research is lacking for the ring-necked snake, and more in-depth investigations are greatly needed.[4] It is the only species within the genus Diadophis, and currently 14 subspecies are identified, but many herpetologists question the morphologically based classifications.[5]
Ring-necked snakes are fairly similar in morphology throughout much of their distribution.
Its dorsal coloration is solid olive, brown, bluish-gray to smoky black, broken only by a distinct yellow, red, or yellow-orange neck band.[6][7] A few populations in New Mexico, Utah, and other distinct locations do not have the distinctive neck band.[6] Additionally, individuals may have reduced or partially colored neck bands that are hard to distinguish; coloration may also be more of a cream color rather than bright orange or red.[7] Head coloration tends to be slightly darker than the rest of the body, with tendencies to be blacker than grey or olive.[7] Ventrally, the snakes exhibit a yellow-orange to red coloration broken by crescent-shaped black spots along the margins.[6] Some individuals lack the distinct ventral coloration, but typically retain the black spotting.[7] Rarely, do individuals lack both the ventral and neck band coloration; so the use of those two characteristics is the simplest way to distinguish the species.[6]
Size also varies across the species' distribution. Typically, adults measure 25–38 cm (10–15 in) in length,[6] except for D. p. regalis, which measures 38–46 cm (15–18 in).[7] First-year juvenile snakes are typically about 20 cm (8 in) and grow about 2–5 cm (1–2 in) a year depending on the developmental stage or resource availability.[7]
Ring-necked snakes have smooth scales with 15–17 scale rows at midbody.[6] Males typically have small tubercles on their scales just anterior to the vent, which are usually absent in females.[6]
Ring-necked snakes are fairly common throughout much of the United States extending into southeastern Canada and central Mexico. Eastern populations cover the entire Eastern Seaboard from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence continuous through the Gulf Coast of Texas.[7] Distribution moves inland into northern Minnesota, continuing diagonally through the US to include all of Iowa, eastern Nebraska, and most of Kansas.[7] In the western US, the distribution is significantly less continuous, with spotty, distinct population segments through most of the Pacific Northwest.[6] Populations extend from south-central Washington continuing along the extreme West Coast into Mexico.[6] Population segments extend inland into western Idaho, through southern Nevada, into central Utah, and continuing south through Arizona and central Mexico.[6]
Ring-necked snakes occur in a wide variety of habitats. Preference seems to be determined by areas with abundant cover and denning locations.[7] Northern and western subspecies are found within open woodlands near rocky hillsides, or in wetter environments with abundant cover or woody debris.[6] Southern subspecies exist primarily within riparian and wet environments, especially in more arid habitats.[7] Stebbins (2003) identified the species as a snake of moist habitats, with moist soil conditions the preferred substrate.[6] Ring-necked snakes are also not found above an elevation of 2,200 m (7,200 ft).[6] In northern regions, dens are also important in identifying suitable ring-necked snake habitat. Dens are usually shared communally,[7] and are identifiable by an existent subsurface crevasse or hole deep enough to prevent freezing temperatures. There is intraspecific variation in how den sites are chosen, with aggregate ring-necked snakes choosing dens that are on average 3 degrees celsius above their ideal body temperature, while solitary snakes will choose dens that maintain their ideal body temperature.[8] Since it is a woodland reptile, it can also commonly be found under wood or scraps. Because of hot weather, they tend to make holes and burrows, or they hide under rocks or any suitable material. They are normally found in flatland forests. Though they prefer to remain away from human-made structures, ring-neck snakes are not afraid to utilize urbanized areas as refuge from predators.[9]
The diet of the ring-necked snake consists primarily of smaller salamanders, earthworms, and slugs, but they also sometimes eat lizards, frogs, and some juvenile snakes of other species.[7] The frequency at which prey species are chosen is dependent on their availability within the habitat.[7] Michigan populations of the Eastern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) feed almost exclusively on red-backed salamanders.[10] Ring-necked snakes use a combination of constriction and envenomation to secure their prey. In a study analyzing the dietary habits of this species, age, amount of food consumed, and temperature were conditions that highly affected digestion.[11] The snakes do not have a true venom gland, but they do have an analogous structure called the Duvernoy's gland derived from the same tissue.[4] Most subspecies are rear-fanged with the last maxillary teeth on both sides of the upper jaw being longer and channeled;[4] the notable exception is D. p. edwardsii, which is fangless.[7] The venom is produced in the Duvernoy's gland located directly behind the eye.[4] It then drains out of an opening at the rear of the maxillary tooth.[4] Ring-necked snakes first strike and then secure the prey using constriction. Next, they maneuver their mouths forward, ensuring the last maxillary tooth punctures the skin and allowing the venom to enter the prey's tissue.[4] The secretion significantly affects the righting response of the prey.[4] Ring-necked snakes are rarely aggressive to larger predators, suggesting their venom evolved as a feeding strategy rather than a defense strategy. Rather than trying to bite a predator, the snake winds up its tail into a corkscrew, exposing its brightly colored belly.[7]
Ring-necked snakes are primarily nocturnal or highly crepuscular, though some diurnal activity has been observed.[7] Individuals are sometimes found during the day, especially on cloudy days, sunning themselves to gain heat.[7] Yet, most individuals lie directly under surface objects warmed in the sun and use conduction with that object to gain heat.[7] Though ring-necked snakes are highly secretive, they do display some social structure, but the exact social hierarchies have never been evaluated.[7] Many populations have been identified to have large colonies of more than 100 individuals, and some reports indicate some smaller colonies occupy the same microhabitats.[7]
Ring-necked snakes usually mate in the spring. In some subspecies, though, mating occurs in the fall, and delayed implantation occurs.[7] Females attract males by secreting pheromones from their skin.[7] Once the male finds a female, he starts by moving his closed mouth along the female's body.[7] Then, the male bites the female around her neck ring, maneuvering to align their bodies so sperm can be inserted into the female's vent.[7] Females lay their eggs in loose, aerated soils under a rock or in a rotted log.[5] Three to ten eggs are deposited in early summer and hatch in August or September.[7] The egg is elongated with a white color contrasted by yellow ends.[7] When hatched, juveniles are precocial and fend for themselves without parental care.[7]
The following 14 subspecies are recognized.[3]
Southern ringneck snake, Diadophis p. punctatus Diadophis punctatus, commonly known as the ring-necked snake or ringneck snake, is a harmless species of colubrid snake found throughout much of the United States, central Mexico, and south-eastern Canada. Ring-necked snakes are secretive, nocturnal snakes, so are rarely seen during the day time. They are best known for their unique defense posture of curling up their tails, exposing their bright red-orange posterior, ventral surface when threatened.
Ring-necked snakes are believed to be fairly abundant throughout most of their range, though no scientific evaluation supports this hypothesis. Scientific research is lacking for the ring-necked snake, and more in-depth investigations are greatly needed. It is the only species within the genus Diadophis, and currently 14 subspecies are identified, but many herpetologists question the morphologically based classifications.
