Diadophis Punctatus - Physical Description

Physical Description

Ring-necked snakes are fairly similar in morphology throughout much of their distribution.

Dorsal coloration is solid olive, brown, bluish gray to black, broken only by a distinct yellow, red, or yellow-orange neck band. There are a few populations in New Mexico, Utah, and other distinct locations that do not have the distinctive neck band. Additionally individuals may have a reduced or partially colored neck band that is hard to distinguish; coloration may also be more of a cream color rather than bright orange or red. Head coloration tends to be slightly darker than the rest of the body with tendencies to be blacker than grey or olive. Ventrally the snakes exhibit a yellow-orange to red coloration broken by crescent shaped black spots along the margins. Sometimes individuals lack the distinct ventral coloration but typically retain the black spotting. Rarely do individuals lack both the ventral or neck band coloration so use of those two characteristics are the most simple way to distinguish the species.

Size also varies across the species distribution. Typically adults measure 25–38 cm (10-15 inches), except for D. punctatus regalis which measures 38–46 cm (15-18 inches). First year juvenile snakes are typically about 20 cm (4 inches) and grow about 2–5 cm (¾-2 inches) a year depending on the developmental stage or resource availability.

Ring-necked snakes have smooth scales with 15-17 scale rows at mid body. Males typically have small tubercles on their scales just anterior to the vent which are usually absent in females.