Ring-necked snake
Diadophis punctatus
Diadophis punctatus
HARMLESS
Description:
There are two ring-necked subspecies in Oklahoma:
This snake is easily identified by the yellow to orange ring around its neck, hence its common name. The back is a gray to black color, and the belly is usually yellow, leading into a red-orange color toward the tail. Most belly scales have black spots on them. Its scales are smooth and the anal plate is divided.
Size:
Adults 10 - 14 inches (25 - 36 cm)
Prey:
Earthworms, slugs, small salamanders, and lizards
Reproduction:
Mates in either spring or fall, and clutches of 1 - 10 eggs are laid during the summer in communal nesting sites. Young hatch in about two months and are 4 - 6 inches (10 - 15 cm) long.
Habitat:
Moist areas under rocks, logs, and other debris. They are found in a variety of habitats, such as rocky hillsides, open woods, and treeless prairies.
Other Information:
When disturbed, this snake will coil its tail tightly and flip it over to expose a bright red underside. It sometimes feigns death when handled and may also emit a foul-smelling musk to deter would-be predators.
The prairie ring-necked snake is found statewide except southern McCurtain County.
The Mississippi ring-necked snake is found only in southern McCurtain County.
Why doesn't the range map show this species in my county?
Description:
There are two ring-necked subspecies in Oklahoma:
- Prairie ring-necked snake
- Mississippi ring-necked snake
This snake is easily identified by the yellow to orange ring around its neck, hence its common name. The back is a gray to black color, and the belly is usually yellow, leading into a red-orange color toward the tail. Most belly scales have black spots on them. Its scales are smooth and the anal plate is divided.
Size:
Adults 10 - 14 inches (25 - 36 cm)
Prey:
Earthworms, slugs, small salamanders, and lizards
Reproduction:
Mates in either spring or fall, and clutches of 1 - 10 eggs are laid during the summer in communal nesting sites. Young hatch in about two months and are 4 - 6 inches (10 - 15 cm) long.
Habitat:
Moist areas under rocks, logs, and other debris. They are found in a variety of habitats, such as rocky hillsides, open woods, and treeless prairies.
Other Information:
When disturbed, this snake will coil its tail tightly and flip it over to expose a bright red underside. It sometimes feigns death when handled and may also emit a foul-smelling musk to deter would-be predators.
The prairie ring-necked snake is found statewide except southern McCurtain County.
The Mississippi ring-necked snake is found only in southern McCurtain County.
Why doesn't the range map show this species in my county?
