What Kind of Snake Has a Yellow Ring Around Its Neck?

The ringneck snake, a small reptile identified easily by the yellow ring around its neck, has a wide range in the United States. This harmless species is shy and often goes undetected as it hunts for its food.

Identification

The typical ringneck snake is between 10 and 15 inches in length and quite thin. The various subspecies are dark gray on top and yellow to orange underneath, with the slender yellow and sometimes orange ring encircling the neck.

Geography

Few snake species possess a larger geographical range than this type, with the ringneck common in the eastern U.S. and into the Southwest deserts. The ringneck snake also lives along the majority of the Pacific Coast.

Habitat

Although the ringneck snake can make its home in almost any habitat across its range, it greatly prefers forested areas with moist ground. It will stay out of view by remaining under rocks, logs and leaves.

Diet

The diet of the ringneck, which has a mild venom completely harmless to people but strong enough to help it capture prey, includes lizards, insects and other small snakes.

Young

The young of the ringneck snake have the same telltale marking across the neck and are miniature versions of the adults.

References

• University of Georgia
• Connecticut Dept of Environmental Protection