Diadophis

Diadophis is a genus of small, nonvenomous snakes in the family Colubridae, commonly known as ring-necked snakes. The genus includes several North American species, the best known being Diadophis punctatus, the ring-necked snake, which has regional subspecies.

Adults typically reach about 20 to 40 centimeters in length. They have a slender body with smooth scales and a distinctive narrow ring of contrasting color behind the head, usually yellow to orange. The dorsal body color ranges from brown to olive or gray, while the ventral side is often yellow or orange. The neck ring helps distinguish them from many other small snakes.

Diadophis is native to North America, occurring from southern Canada through much of the United States, with habitats that include deciduous forests, woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas. They are secretive and often found under logs, rocks, leaf litter, or in burrows and crevices, sometimes near water.

Behaviorally, ring-necked snakes are mainly nocturnal and shy. They are competent climbers and can swim when needed. They pose little threat to humans and will typically retreat when disturbed. Their diet consists mainly of small amphibians such as salamanders, as well as earthworms, slugs, and occasionally small lizards or frogs.

Reproduction is oviparous. Mating occurs in spring, and females lay eggs in sheltered sites such as rotting logs, leaf litter, or compost piles. Clutch size varies and may include several eggs; incubation and hatching are influenced by temperature and moisture. Diadophis snakes are generally long-lived for their size, with relatively slow growth.