Description: The typical total length of an adult Ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus) varies somewhat by subspecies but in general it is about 11 - 16 inches Hatchlings are much smaller and longer specimens are sometimes found. The record length is 33-5/8 inches. A small, thin snake with smooth scales. Gray, blue-gray, blackish, or dark olive dorsal coloring, with a bright orange to reddish underside, speckled with a few small black markings. The underside of the tail is a bright reddish orange. A narrow orange band circles the neck, 1.5 - 2.5 scale rows wide.
Range: This subspecies, Diadophis punctatus vandenburgii - Monterey Ring-necked Snake, is endemic to California, occurring along the south-central California coast from Ventura County north to southern Santa Cruz County, and inland through the coast ranges.
Diet: Eats small salamanders, tadpoles, small frogs, small snakes, lizards, worms, slugs, and insects. The mild venom may help to incapacitate prey.
Reproduction: Females are oviparous, laying eggs in the summer, sometimes in a communal nest.
Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of the very large and probably relatively stable extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, number of subpopulations, and population size. This species is not threatened in most of its range.
Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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