The northern ring-necked snake, aka northern ringneck snake, can be found throughout most of North America. They are a subspecies of the ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus). With an abundant population, wide-spread distribution, and only some habitat loss faced as a threat, these snakes are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their population trend is also stable.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Diadophis punctatus edwardsii
Weight: Up to 8+ ounces
Length: Up to 24+ inches
Lifespan: Up to 20 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) The subspecific name, edwardsii, was given in honor of the English ornithologist George Edwards, who described the species, without giving it a binomial name, from a specimen he had obtained from William Bartram.
2.) These snakes are nocturnal (active at night).
3.) During the day, they tend to take refuge under fallen logs, leaf litter, and rocks.
4.) Unlike many other snakes, these critters are social, and several can be found hiding together.
5.) Their preferred habitats are moist wooded forests, mountainous or hilly terrains, and along the edges of wetlands.
But wait, there’s more on the northern ring-necked snake!
6.) Sometimes, these snakes make their way into moist basements of houses.
7.) Females lay up to 10 eggs in the summer under rotting logs, or amongst leaf litter.
Did you know…?
These snakes are prey to bullfrogs, toads, predatory birds, and various mammals including shrews and rats.
8.) Seeing as they are social, nest sites are sometimes utilized by multiple females.
9.) Eggs hatch in up to 2 months.
10.) Snakelets measure up to 4.9 inches.
But wait, there’s still more on the northern ring-necked snake!
11.) Brumation (hibernation for reptiles) takes place in the colder winter months.
12.) Various invertebrates, insects, frogs, salamanders, earthworms, slugs, small lizards, and small snakes are all on the menu.
Now a Short Northern Ring-Necked Snake Video!
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
Photo credit: Gary Nafis
