Northern Ringneck Snake

(Diadophis punctatus edwardsii)

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

	LEFT: Ringneck snakes are black with a golden ring around the neck and a yellow belly. Ringneck snakes have smooth scales (no keels). Photo by Mike Marchand. The ringneck snake sports a yellow to yellow-orange belly, much like its close cousin, the northern red-bellied snake. Photo by Victor Young.
The bluish-black surface color shimmers with iridescence. Photo by Victor Young.