Colorado Herpetological Society's

Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Colorado

Ringneck Snake
(Diadophis punctatus)

Family Colubridae

Photo from Hammerson, 1986.
Used with permission.

Last Updated on January 20, 2000.

Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus)
Description: Adults to about 16½" in length. Color uniform olive, bluish gray, to slate gray; underside bright yellow to orange, with numerous black spots, changing to red or reddish orange on tail. Conspicuous yellow to orange ring around neck. Divided anal plate. Elevation Range: Below 6000' in southeastern Colorado. Subspecies in Colorado: Diadophis punctatus arnyi