Diadophis punctatus edwardsii
Home Back to the Snakes
photo by Thomas K. Pauley
Jack Mountain, Pendleton County, WV
Northern Ringneck Snake
Diadophis punctatus edwardsii
Home Back to the Snakes
photo by Thomas K. Pauley
Jack Mountain, Pendleton County, WV
| Species Description: The
northern ringneck snake only grows to about 1 1/2 ft. long (the record
is 27 inches). They are easily recognized by a slate gray body with a bright
yellow ring around the neck. The belly is uniformly yellow and there may
be a row of black dots down the center. This is a very docile snake, rarely,
if ever, attempting to bite. They will exude a foul smelling musk (like
most snakes) if provoked. These snakes feed mainly on slugs, snails, and
salamanders.
Habitat: Ringneck snakes are often found in moist ravines, but they are also very abundant on roadcuts. They can be found by turning rocks or logs in the forest or on the sides of roads. These snakes are mainly nocturnal and walking around a forest with a flashlight will often turn one of these snakes up. Breeding Activity: Adults are egg laying and the young are about 4-5 inches upon hatching. Range: Ringnecks are very common throughout West Virginia. Status: No status. Common in West Virginia. |
