Regal Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus regalis

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:

This is the largest of the ring-necks. The neck ring may be complete, interrupted, or entirely lacking.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Moist areas; often near watercourses, and moist woodlands where it may be found beneath rocks or surface debris. Prey includes salamanders, small snakes, lizards, slugs, and worms.

 

Geographic Range:

TX, AZ, CA, NV, UT, NM