Northern Ringneck Snake
(Diadophis punctatus)
Photo Courtesy of Will Still
The Northern Ringneck Snake is 10 - 30 inches in length. The body is usually black, olive or gray with a yellow, orange or cream ring around the neck. The belly is usually a bright yellow, red or orange and often has black spots.
They mate in the spring or fall and will lay 1 - 10 eggs in June or July in communal nesting sites. The eggs are about one inch long are white or yellowish in color. The young hatch about eight weeks later and are usually 4 - 6 inches long.
The Northern Ringneck Snake is secretive and can most often be found hiding under rocks and logs. If threatened this snake will coil around the tail and flash its colorful belly. If continued to be bothered or handled it will rarely bite but will emit a strong musk scent. When hunting they will often partially constrict their prey which include earthworms, slugs, salamanders, lizards and smaller snakes.