Diadophis punctatus modestus (Bocourt)
the San Bernardino Ringneck Snake
Current Name
Original Name Physical Description Habitat Natural History Conservation
Diadophis punctatus modestus Bocourt, 1886.
Diadophis amabilis modestus Bocourt, 1886.
Size: Adults, 8-21 inches
Identifying Attributes: The dorsal surface including the head tends to be olive-brown to brown. There are 17 rows of scales, a moderately narrow neck ring, and the ventral surface is heavily spotted. The ventral parts are varying shades of orange, becoming red towards the tail.
Range: From Northern San Diego to Los Angeles and the San Bernardino Mountains, as well as Catalina Island. Wide range of elevation, from coastal to 6,400 ft.
Macro: Canyons and foothills, and occasionally in loose sands of dunes.
Micro: Under logs, rocks, dead leaves and most moist debris.
Feeding: Eats insects, salamanders, lizards, and small snakes.
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)
Period of Activity: February to May.
Diadophis punctatus modestus has been nominated for threatened species status.