Northern Ringneck Snake
(Diadophis punctatus edwardsii)
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| Ringneck snakes are black with a golden ring around the neck and a yellow belly. Ringneck snakes have smooth scales (no keels). (Mike Marchand photo) | |
 The ringneck snake sports a yellow to yellow-orange belly, much like its close cousin, the northern red-bellied snake.(© NHFG / Victor Young photo) |
NH Conservation Status: Not listed
State Rank Status: Widespread and secure
Distribution: Throughout NH
Description: A slender, dark snake measuring 10-15 inches. Generally has a bluish-black or black surface color with a golden ring around the neck. The underside is uniformly yellow.
Commonly Confused Species: Redbelly snake
Habitat: Mostly found in moist,
shady woodlands under rocks, logs, or other woody debris. May also
be found on rocky wooded hillsides.
Life History: During mid-summer lays 3-5 eggs under
rotting wood or rocks, sometimes communally. Hibernates underground
in mammal burrows or under rocks.
Conservation Threats: Loss of habitat
Distribution map: Click here for a map showing the towns where this species is reported to occur in NH
The bluish-black
surface color shimmers with iridescence. (© NHFG / Victor Young photo)
