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Diadophis

(Genus)

Overview

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The Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus) is a of colubrid snake which is harmless to humans. There is some evidence that oral secretions produced by at least some subspecies, such as D. p. occidentalis are highly toxic to their prey. An enlarged tooth at the back of the mouth is thought to play a role on the envenomation of prey.1] It is the only species within the genus Diadophis, and has fourteen subspecies which are found from southeastern Canada, throughout much of the United States, to northern Mexico.

Description

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Ringneck snakes are members of the colubrid family. They are typically black or gray in color, with a yellow or orange underside and an orange or yellow ring around the neck. The underside usually has black flecks or dots in man y different patterns, depending on the subspecies. They are very common and are found throughout North America and northern Mexico. They tend to grow to 10-14 in. and are long and slender. They make their homes under rotting logs, wood, and rocks. These snakes eat insects, frogs and salamanders, other snakes, lizards, and newborn rodents.

Subspecies

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Photos

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Taxonomy

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The Genus Diadophis is further organized into finer groupings including:

References

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  1. ^ O'Donnell RP, Staniland K, Mason RT (2007) Experimental evidence that oral secretions of northwestern ring-necked snakes (Diadophis punctatus occidentalis) are toxic to their prey. Toxicon 50:810–815.

Sources

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Last Revised: September 22, 2009
2009/09/22 17:42:59