Photos by Chris Brown

Scientific name: Diadophis punctatus

Common name: Western Ringneck Snake

Size: 10.4-16.1 in (26-41 cm)

Distinguishing characters: A small, slender species with an olive, brownish, blue-grey or green dorsum and a conspicuous yellow or orange neck band; venter yellow-orange, becoming coral toward tail with conspicuous black spots often forming rows; dark head.

Juveniles: Similar to adults, but with darker dorsal coloration.

Dimorphism: Male has tubercles on scales above vent.

Additional notes: A gentle species that is easily handled; often coils tail into corkscrew shape displaying brilliant coral undersurface.