Alternate Name(s):

Ringneck Snake

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

Tiny (11-16”) and very secretive. Slate brownish-gray to gray above. The double row of small black spots are not aligned linearly on the orange belly. Orange neck ring often incomplete. Hatchlings are darker overall. Oviparous. Hatchlings, 4 inches long, are darker overall. Scales are in 15 to 17 rows.

Unique Features:

Slate brownish-gray to gray above. The double row of small black spots are not aligned linearly on the orange belly. Orange neck ring is often incomplete. The ring-necks, as a group, are rear-fanged snakes that produce a venom designed to overcome their prey. Prey may be as varied as grubs, worms, slugs, salamanders, smaller snake species, or lizards. They are harmless to humans.

Habitat and Diet:

Rocky pastures, hillsides, roadcuts, Varied but this common snake is usually found beneath rocks, logs, or other surface debris in seasonally moist woodlands, meadows, and even in suburban yards. Primarily feed on grubs, worms, slugs, salamanders, smaller snake species, or lizards.

Geographic Range:

AR, IL, MN, TX, CO, ID, KS, MO, NE, IA, NM, OK, WI, SD