Identification
The Northern Ringneck Snake is
shiny and uniformly dark blue to black in color with a slim band of orange or
yellow scales that form a ring around its neck. The head is usually black or
slate gray. Its underside is bright yellow to orange. This snake averages 12 to
15 inches in length. Similar species include: Southeastern Crowned Snake
Distribution and Status
Within
Ecology
Its preferred habitat consists of rocky ledges near rivers in shady or heavily wooded damp areas. While this snake is very secretive, it does not burrow. Rather, they hide under rocks, fallen bark or forest litter. It has been encountered in basements and greenhouses. When threatened this snake may release a pungent fluid, but they do not usually attempt to bite. The diet of ringneck snakes consists mostly of insect larvae, salamanders, earthworms and frogs.
Resources
General reference guides
and websites.
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management