Diadophis punctatus occidentalis (Blanchard)
the Northwestern Ringneck Snake
Current Name
Original Name Physical Description Habitat Natural History
Diadophis punctatus occidentalis Blanchard, 1923.
Diadophis amabilis occidentalis Blanchard, 1923.
Size: Adults, 8-24 inches
Identifying Attributes: D. p. occidentalis is characterized by a relatively broad, uninterrupted neck ring with a distinct black horizontal border. It has not more than 15 rows of dorsal scales, has a lightly spotted ventral surface, and ventral color that extends on average a little higher than most of the species. The dorsal surface is slate-olive to deep olive-gray. The ventral surface is mostly deep scarlet.
Range: Western Idaho, southern Washington, western Oregon, and from the Pacific coast to Sonoma, California.
Macro: Often near rivers and creeks.
Micro: Under logs, rocks, dead leaves and most moist debris.
Feeding: Eats insects, lizards, and small snakes.
Behavior: Secretive and hides under moist covering or rock crevices. When discovered, it will sometimes lie with its ventral side showing to play dead, or coil its red tail.