Key Ringneck Snake Scientific name: Diadophis punctatus acricus
PAULSON 1966 * Currently accepted name * scientific names used
through time - Coluber punctatus – LINNAEUS 1766 - Natrix
punctatus – MERREM 1820 - Homalosoma punctata – WAGLER 1830 -
Calamaria punctata – SCHLEGEL 1837 - Ablabes punctatus –
DUMÉRIL, BIBRON & DUMÉRIL 1854 - Diadophis punctatus acricus –
PAULSON 1966 - Diadophis punctatus – DUMÉRIL, STEBBINS 1985
Description: Average adult size is 6 inches (15.2 cm). Adults
are small and slender-bodied with a slate gray body. Unlike
other ringneck snakes, the ring normally present around the neck
is indistinct or completely absent. The belly is bright
orangish-yellow, fading to orange-red beneath the tail. There is
a single row of half-moon spots down the center on the belly.
The scales are smooth, and there are 15-17 dorsal scale rows at
midbody. The pupil is round. Juvenile color is similar to that
of the adult. A. Top of the head (notice the large plate-like
scales on the top of the head) B. Smoo