RING-NECKED SNAKE

(species Diadophis punctatus), sole species of snake in the genus Diadophis of the family Colubridae. There are about a dozen subspecies. Ring-necked snakes grow to a length of 60 cm (24 inches) and are usually found under logs or rocks in the western United States and across the Mexican plateau. Ring-necked snakes feed on insects, worms, frogs, lizards, salamanders, and smaller snakes. When disturbed, the ring-necked snake coils up into a ball with its head in the centre and raises its tail to show the red or yellow underside, which simulates a more dangerous head.