Diadophis punctatus amabilis (Baird & Girard)
the Pacific Ringneck Snake
Current Name
Original Name Physical Description Habitat Natural History
Diadophis punctatus amabilis Baird and Girard, 1853.
Diadophis amabilis amabilis Baird and Girard, 1853.
Size: Adults, 6-20 inches
Identifying Attributes: Generally deep olive, sometimes appearing yellowish olive, with a head darker olive or more brownish. Has a narrow neck ring that is sometimes interrupted, and 15 rows of scales. The ventral surface is orange to yellow, becoming scarlet before the vent is reached. The underside of the tail is scarlet. The ventral surface has few black spots.
Range: The foothills of the Central Valley of California, and the San Francisco Bay region. They are found mainly below 3,000 ft, but have been observed in higher elevations.
Macro: Shaded canyons and foothills, as well as ravines and generally in moist locations, even salt marshes.
Micro: Under logs, rocks, dead leaves and most moist debris.
Feeding: Eats insects, tree frogs, small snakes, earthworms, and slugs.
Behavior: Secretive and hides under moist covering. When discovered, it will sometimes lie with its ventral side showing to play dead, or coil its red tail.
Reproduction: This subspecies exhibits sexual dimorphism- males over 300mm. long had ridges on the scales in the anal region.(Blanchard, 1942)