Northern Ringneck Snake
(Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) |
 |
DESCRIPTION: 10-27 11/16" (25.4-70.6 cm). A
small slender snake, with a golden-yellow neck ring. Back gray,
olive, or brownish, sometimes approaching black. Belly yellow
and typically unspotted. Neck ring may be interrupted, obscure,
or occasionally absent. Loreal scale present. Scales smooth, in
15-17 rows. Anal plate divided.
STATUS:
RANGE: Nova Scotia, south in the
Appalachians to north Georgia and northeast Alabama, west to
southeast Illinois and the Great Lakes region through Wisconsin.
HABITAT: It inhabits moist wooded
areas in both pine and hardwood, where there is an abundance of
rotting logs, old stumps, and loose bark to provide hiding
places. It is also found in cutover lands, sawdust piles, field
edges and even suburban backyards.
SPECIAL HABITAT: The Ringneck snake is
secretive, inhabiting the leaf litter and upper soil horizon
community. It is seldom encountered in the open.
FOOD: This snake eats insects, earthworms,
slugs and occasionally, tiny frogs. |
