ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Northern Rign-necked Snake

 Northern Ring-necked Snake

northern ring-necked snake

When routed from hiding place, ring-necked snakes usually seek cover under the nearest available object. They are normally mild tempered when first caught, but discharge a pungent substance from their musk glands and wiggle violently to escape.
 

Northern Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus edwardsii

At-a-Glance

• Length: 10-15 inches

• Peak Breeding Activity: spring or fall

• Clutch Size: 3-10 eggs

• Typical Foods: salamanders, lizards, frogs, and earthworms
Description
As the name implies, these little snakes have a ring around the neck that is yellow or yellowish orange.

Habitat and Habits
Except for approximately the northwestern quarter, ring-necked snakes occur throughout Ohio. They prefer rocky, wooded hillsides and cutover wooded areas such as those in southeastern Ohio, where they abound. Ringnecks are basically nocturnal and spend most of the day concealed beneath logs, stones, boards, and similar objects.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Unlike most egg laying snakes, ringnecks tend to deposit their eggs in a community nest, frequently in rotted logs exposed to the sun.