San Diego Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus similis)
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 yellowish or light orange underside that is lightly speckled with black markings. The underside of the tail is a bright reddish orange. An orange band circles the neck 1.5 - 3 scales wide.
Range: This subspecies is found mainly in San Diego County along the coast and into the Peninsular range, and in southwestern Riverside County. Ranges south barely into northern Baja California, Mexico.
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: On the US Forest Service's watch list of sensitive species. This is most likely due to the loss of so much natural habitat in coastal San Diego County.
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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