Ring-necked snake

Last updated

Ring-necked snake
Coral-belly Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus ssp. pulchellus).jpg
A ring-necked snake in Sacramento County, California
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Diadophis
Baird & Girard, 1853
Species:
D. punctatus
Binomial name
Diadophis punctatus
(Linnaeus, 1766)
Synonyms [2] [3]
Southern ringneck snake, Diadophis p. punctatus Southern Ringneck snake, Diadophis punctatus.jpg
Southern ringneck snake, Diadophis p. punctatus

Diadophis punctatus, commonly known as the ring-necked snake or ringneck snake, is a rather small, harmless species of colubrid snake found throughout much of the United States, as well as south in Central Mexico and as far north as Quebec, Canada. Ring-necked snakes are generally fossorial and somewhat secretive, by nature, and, as a nocturnal species, are rarely seen during the daytime. These snakes are believed to be fairly abundant throughout most of their range, though no scientific evaluation supports this hypothesis. Scientific research is lacking for the species, despite their apparently common status, and more in-depth investigations are greatly needed. [4] It is the only species within the genus Diadophis and, currently, 14 subspecies are identified, though many herpetologists question the morphologically-based classifications. [5]

Contents

The ring-necked snake is perhaps best-known for its unique defensive posture: when threatened, it curls its tail into a tight coil, partially rolls onto its back, and shows its bright red-orange underside and ventral surface. In nature, vivid coloration on an animal generally serves as a warning to others that it is not afraid of delivering a dose of venom, or that it is poisonous if eaten; this "false warning" coloration is a form of mimicry, a survival adaptation in which a non-venomous species (i.e., the ring-necked snake) has evolved brighter coloration, similar to truly venomous species, and used it to their advantage. Another example is seen in certain milksnakes and kingsnakes (Lampropeltis sp.) which have red, yellow, white or black stripes, an adaptation meant to confuse predators by visually mimicking the venomous coral snakes (Elapidae) which share much of their range.

Description

The defensive display of a San Bernardino ring-necked snake San Bernardino Ringneck Snake.jpg
The defensive display of a San Bernardino ring-necked snake
Southern ring-necked snake, D. p. punctatus Diadophis punctatus punctatus.jpg
Southern ring-necked snake, D. p. punctatus

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

Ring-necked snake from Mount Diablo, California Diadophis punctatus 5.jpg
Ring-necked snake from Mount Diablo, California

Its dorsal coloration is solid olive, brown, bluish-gray to smoky black, broken only by a distinct yellow, red, or yellow-orange neck band. [6] [7] A few populations in New Mexico, Utah, and other distinct locations do not have the distinctive neck band. [6] Additionally, individuals may have reduced or partially colored neck bands that are hard to distinguish; coloration may also be more of a cream color rather than bright orange or red. [7] Head coloration tends to be slightly darker than the rest of the body, with tendencies to be blacker than grey or olive. [7] Ventrally, the snakes exhibit a yellow-orange to red coloration broken by crescent-shaped black spots along the margins. [6] Some individuals lack the distinct ventral coloration, but typically retain the black spotting. [7] Rarely do individuals lack both the ventral and neck band coloration, so the use of those two characteristics is the simplest way to distinguish the species. [6]

Size also varies across the species' distribution. Typically, adults measure 25–38 cm (10–15 in) in length, [6] except for D. p. regalis, which measures 38–46 cm (15–18 in). [7] Maximum size for D. p. punctatus is reported at 52 cm (20.5 in). [8] First-year juvenile snakes are typically about 20 cm (8 in) and grow about 2–5 cm (1–2 in) a year depending on the developmental stage or resource availability. [7]

Ring-necked snakes have smooth scales with 15–17 scale rows at midbody. [6] Males typically have small tubercles on their scales just anterior to the vent, which are usually absent in females. [6]

Distribution

Ring-necked snakes are fairly common throughout much of the United States extending into southeastern Canada and central Mexico. Eastern populations cover the entire Eastern Seaboard from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence continuous through the Gulf Coast of Texas. [7] Distribution moves inland into northern Minnesota, continuing diagonally through the US to include all of Iowa, eastern Nebraska, and most of Kansas. [7] In the western US, the distribution is significantly less continuous, with spotty, distinct population segments through most of the Pacific Northwest. [6] Populations extend from south-central Washington continuing along the extreme West Coast into Mexico. [6] Population segments extend inland into western Idaho, through southern Nevada, into central Utah, and continuing south through Arizona and central Mexico. [6]

Habitat

Ring-necked snakes occur in a wide variety of habitats. Preference seems to be determined by areas with abundant cover and denning locations. [7] Northern and western subspecies are found within open woodlands near rocky hillsides, or in wetter environments with abundant cover or woody debris. [6] Southern subspecies exist primarily within riparian and wet environments, especially in more arid habitats. [7] Stebbins (2003) identified the species as a snake of moist habitats, with moist soil conditions the preferred substrate. [6] Ring-necked snakes are also not found above an elevation of 2,200 m (7,200 ft). [6] In northern regions, dens are also important in identifying suitable ring-necked snake habitat. Dens are usually shared communally, [7] and are identifiable by an existent subsurface crevasse or hole deep enough to prevent freezing temperatures. There is intraspecific variation in how den sites are chosen, with aggregate ring-necked snakes choosing dens that are on average 3 degrees Celsius above their ideal body temperature, while solitary snakes will choose dens that maintain their ideal body temperature. [9] Since it is a woodland reptile, it can also commonly be found under wood or scraps. Because of hot weather, they tend to make holes and burrows, or they hide under rocks or any suitable material. They are normally found in flatland forests. Though they prefer to remain away from human-made structures, ring-neck snakes are not afraid to utilize urbanized areas as refuge from predators. [10]

Diet

The diet of the ring-necked snake consists primarily of smaller salamanders, earthworms, and slugs, but they also sometimes eat lizards, frogs, and some juvenile snakes of other species. [7] The frequency at which prey species are chosen is dependent on their availability within the habitat. [7] Michigan populations of the Eastern Ring-necked Snake ( Diadophis punctatus edwardsii ) feed almost exclusively on red-backed salamanders. [11] Ring-necked snakes use a combination of constriction and envenomation to secure their prey. In a study analyzing the dietary habits of this species, age, amount of food consumed, and temperature were conditions that highly affected digestion. [12] The snakes do not have a true venom gland, but they do have an analogous structure called the Duvernoy's gland derived from the same tissue. [4] Most subspecies are rear-fanged with the last maxillary teeth on both sides of the upper jaw being longer and channeled; [4] the notable exception is D. p. edwardsii, which is fangless. [7] The venom is produced in the Duvernoy's gland located directly behind the eye. [4] It then drains out of an opening at the rear of the maxillary tooth. [4] Ring-necked snakes first strike and then secure the prey using constriction. Next, they maneuver their mouths forward, ensuring the last maxillary tooth punctures the skin and allowing the venom to enter the prey's tissue. [4] The secretion significantly affects the righting response of the prey. [4] Ring-necked snakes are rarely aggressive to larger predators, suggesting their venom evolved as a feeding strategy rather than a defense strategy. Rather than trying to bite a predator, the snake winds up its tail into a corkscrew, exposing its brightly colored belly. [7]

Ring-necked snakes are primarily nocturnal or highly crepuscular, though some diurnal activity has been observed. [7] Individuals are sometimes found during the day, especially on cloudy days, sunning themselves to gain heat. [7] Yet, most individuals lie directly under surface objects warmed in the sun and use conduction with that object to gain heat. [7] Though ring-necked snakes are highly secretive, they do display some social structure, but the exact social hierarchies have never been evaluated. [7] Many populations have been identified to have large colonies of more than 100 individuals, and some reports indicate some smaller colonies occupy the same microhabitats. [7]

Recently hatched ring-necked snake, Missouri Ozarks Ring necked snake recently hatched, Missouri Ozarks.JPG
Recently hatched ring-necked snake, Missouri Ozarks
D. p. pulchellus, coralbelly ring-necked snake Coral-bellied ring-necked snake.jpg
D. p. pulchellus, coralbelly ring-necked snake

Reproduction

Ring-necked snakes usually mate in the spring. In some subspecies, though, mating occurs in the fall, and delayed implantation occurs. [7] Females attract males by secreting pheromones from their skin. [7] Once the male finds a female, he starts by moving his closed mouth along the female's body. [7] Then, the male bites the female around her neck ring, maneuvering to align their bodies so sperm can be inserted into the female's vent. [7] Females lay their eggs in loose, aerated soils under a rock or in a rotted log. [5] Three to ten eggs are deposited in early summer and hatch in August or September. [7] The egg is elongated with a white color contrasted by yellow ends. [7] When hatched, juveniles are precocial and fend for themselves without parental care. [7]

Subspecies

The following 14 subspecies are recognized. [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kingsnake</span> Genus of snakes

Kingsnakes are colubrid New World members of the genus Lampropeltis, which includes 26 species. Among these, about 45 subspecies are recognized. They are nonvenomous and ophiophagous in diet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slender glass lizard</span> Species of reptile

The slender glass lizard is a legless lizard in the glass lizard subfamily (Anguinae). The species is endemic to the United States. Two subspecies are recognized. The lizard was originally believed to be a subspecies of the eastern glass lizard. Their name comes from their easily broken tail which they can break off themselves without ever being touched. It is difficult to find a specimen with an undamaged tail. The lizard eats a variety of insects and small animals, including smaller lizards. Snakes and other animals are known to prey on the species. Humans have a part in destroying their environment and killing their food supply with insecticides. The lizard is considered to be a least-concern species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), though it is vulnerable in Iowa and endangered in Wisconsin. The streamlined, legless species is often confused with snakes. Glass Lizards, however, differ from snakes as they possess a moveable eyelid, which is absent in snakes. Another way to distinguish glass lizards from snakes is the presence of an external ear opening, which are absent in snakes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garter snake</span> Common name for North American snakes of the genus Thamnophis

Garter snake is the common name for small to medium-sized snakes belonging to the genus Thamnophis in the family Colubridae. They are native to North and Central America, ranging from central Canada in the north to Costa Rica in the south.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Common garter snake</span> Species of snake

The common garter snake is a species of snake in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The species is indigenous to North America and found widely across the continent. There are several recognized subspecies. Most common garter snakes have a pattern of yellow stripes on a black, brown or green background, and their average total length is about 55 cm (22 in), with a maximum total length of about 137 cm (54 in). The average body mass is 150 g (5.3 oz). The common garter snake is the state reptile of Massachusetts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smooth snake</span> Species of non-venomous snake

The smooth snake is a species of non-venomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is found in northern and central Europe, but also as far east as northern Iran. The Reptile Database recognizes two subspecies as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies described here.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smooth green snake</span> Species of snake

The smooth green snake is a species of North American nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is also referred to as the grass snake. It is a slender, "small medium" snake that measures 36–51 cm (14–20 in) as an adult. It gets its common name from its smooth dorsal scales, as opposed to the rough green snake, which has keeled dorsal scales. The smooth green snake is found in marshes, meadows, open woods, and along stream edges, and is native to regions of Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. A non-aggressive snake, it seldom bites and usually flees when threatened. It mates in late spring to summer, and females lay their eggs from June to September. The smooth green snake will often bob its head in order to mimic vegetation blowing in the wind.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiger snake</span> Highly venomous snake native to southern Australia and Tasmania

The tiger snake is a large and highly venomous snake of southern Australia, including its coastal islands and Tasmania. These snakes are often observed and locally well known by their banding, black and yellow like a tiger, although the species can be highly variable in colouration and patterning. All populations are classified within the genus Notechis (Elapidae). Their diverse characteristics have been classified either as distinct species or by subspecies and regional variation.

<i>Chrysopelea ornata</i> Species of snake

Chrysopelea ornata is a mildly venomous opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) colubrid snake found in both South and Southeast Asia. It is commonly known as the golden tree snake, ornate flying snake, and golden flying snake. Along with the other species in the Chrysopelea genus, the golden tree snake is very unusual, as it is capable of a type of gliding "flight" —mainly utilised during the pursuit of prey animals—from tree-to-tree. This action is also used to great effect for the snake to flee its own potential predators. Currently, three subspecies are recognised. The snake's striking looks, and potential for gliding, have made it a coveted choice for captivity.

<i>Diadophis punctatus regalis</i> Subspecies of snake

Diadophis punctatus regalis, commonly known as the regal ringneck snake, is a subspecies of ringneck snake endemic to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

<i>Sistrurus tergeminus edwardsii</i> Subspecies of snake

Sistrurus tergeminus edwardsii, also known as the desert massasauga, is a subspecies of venomous pit viper in the family Viperidae. The subspecies is endemic to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. In places, its range overlaps that of S. t. tergeminus, and intergrading of the two subspecies is known.

<i>Virginia striatula</i> Species of snake

Virginia striatula, commonly called the rough earth snake, is a species of nonvenomous natricine colubrid snake native to the Southeastern United States.

<i>Micrurus fulvius</i> Species of snake

Micrurus fulvius, commonly known as the eastern coral snake, common coral snake, American cobra, and more, is a species of highly venomous coral snake in the family Elapidae. The family also contains the cobras and sea snakes. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States. It should not be confused with the scarlet snake or scarlet kingsnake, which are harmless mimics. No subspecies are currently recognized.

<i>Lampropeltis getula</i> Species of snake

Lampropeltis getula, commonly known as the eastern kingsnake, common kingsnake, or chain kingsnake, is a harmless colubrid species endemic to the United States. It has long been a favorite among collectors. Four subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here. All of these taxa had originally been described as distinct species and recognized as such for up to 101 years.

<i>Diadophis punctatus edwardsii</i> Subspecies of snake

Diadophis punctatus edwardsii, commonly known as the northern ringneck snake, is a subspecies of Diadophis punctatus, a snake in the family Colubridae. The subspecies is endemic to North America.

<i>Diadophis punctatus arnyi</i> Subspecies of snake

Diadophis punctatus arnyi, also known commonly as the prairie ringneck snake, is a subspecies of small, thin snake in the family Dipsadidae. The subspecies is native to the Midwestern United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern rubber boa</span> Species of snake

Charina umbratica, known commonly as the southern rubber boa, is a species of snake in the family Boidae. The species is endemic to the United States, in southern California.

<i>Diadophis punctatus stictogenys</i> Subspecies of snake

Diadophis punctatus stictogenys, commonly known as the Mississippi ringneck snake, is a subspecies of Diadophis punctatus that is endemic to the United States.

References

  1. ↑ Hammerson, G.A.; Frost, D.R. (2007). "Diadophis punctatus ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2007: e.T63769A12714288. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T63769A12714288.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ↑ Stejneger L, Barbour T (1917). A Check List of North American Amphibians and Reptiles. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. 125 pp. (Diadophis punctatus, p. 76).
  3. 1 2 Species Diadophis punctatus at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 O’Donnell, Ryan P.; Staniland, Kevin; Mason, Robert T. (November 2007). "Experimental evidence that oral secretions of northwestern ring-necked snakes (Diadophis punctatus occidentalis) are toxic to their prey". Toxicon. 50 (6): 810–815. doi:10.1016/j.toxicon.2007.06.024. PMID   17689581.
  5. 1 2 Zeiner DC, Laudenslayer WF, Mayer KE, White M (eds.) (1988–1990). California's Wildlife, Volume I, Amphibians and Reptiles. Sacramento, California: California Department of Fish and Game.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Stebbins RC (2003). A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Third Edition. The Peterson Field Guide Series ®. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN   978-0-395-98272-3. (Diadophis punctatus, pp. 345–346 + Plate 46 + Map 133).
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Yung, James (2000). "Diadophis punctatus arnyi ". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 2009-10-01.
  8. ↑ Mohr, Jeffrey; Stegenga, Benjamin; Stegenga, Scott (2011). "DIADOPHIS PUNCTATUS PUNCTATUS (Southern Ring-necked Snake). MAXIMUM SIZE". Herpetological Review. 42 (2): 288–289.
  9. ↑ Cox, Christian L.; Logan, Michael L.; Bryan, Olivia; Kaur, Darshdeep; Leung, Evan; McCormack, John; McGinn, John; Miller, Lauren; Robinson, Caroline; Salem, Jena; Scheid, Jessica; Warzinski, Tatiana; Chung, Albert K. (January 2018). "Do ring-necked snakes choose retreat sites based upon thermal preferences?". Journal of Thermal Biology. 71: 232–236. doi:10.1016/j.jtherbio.2017.11.020. ISSN   0306-4565. PMID   29301695.
  10. ↑ Richards, T.E. (2017). "Effect of urbanization on predatory defense mechanisms of southern ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus punctatus) populations in south Florida.
  11. ↑ Blanchard, Frank N.; Gilreath, M. Ruth; Blanchard, Frieda Cobb (1979-11-15). "The Eastern Ring-Neck Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) in Northern Michigan (Reptilia, Serpentes, Colubridae)". Journal of Herpetology. 13 (4): 377. doi:10.2307/1563473. JSTOR   1563473.
  12. ↑ Henderson, Robert W. (1970). "Feeding Behavior, Digestion, and Water Requirements of Diadophis punctatus arnyi Kennicott". Herpetologica. 26 (4): 520–526. JSTOR   3890775.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.