Description
This slender snake has a yellow, cream or orange neck
ring. The body is gray, brown or black and the belly is bright
yellow, orange or red. Ringneck Snakes can grow to just over 75 cm
in total length.
Confusing Species
No other snake in eastern Canada has a ring around its
neck. The Redbelly Snake is most similar.
It can be a similar colour and has three neck spots, but these do
not generally join to form a ring.
Distribution
The Ringneck Snake is found from southern Ontario to
Nova Scotia. It is also found on PEI. To the south, the Ringneck
Snake ranges widely, though not continuously from Florida to
California and further south into Mexico.
Habitat
Ringneck Snakes are commonly found in heavily wooded
areas but they are also found in adjacent clearings. They are most
common in areas where bedrock is at the surface. Individuals are
frequently found under rocks or logs.
Reproduction
Breeding can occur in the spring or fall. Females lay
2-6 eggs in early summer. The eggs are laid in rotting logs or
under rocks or boards and hatch in about two months. The
hatchlings are 10-15 cm in length and they mature in 2-3 years.
Natural history
The Ringneck Snake is primarily nocturnal, probably
because its main food source is the Redback Salamander, which is
also active at night. It also eat other amphibians, earthworms and
insects. The Ringneck Snake retreats underground for part of the
summer and it hibernates there as well.
Conservation Concerns
Although uncommonly seen, the Ringneck Snake is
widespread. There is virtually no information on the size of
populations in Canada.
|
