Diadophis punctatus pulchellus (Baird & Girard)
the Sierran Ringneck Snake
Current Name
Original Name Physical Description Habitat Natural History
Diadophis punctatus pulchellus Baird & Girard, 1853.
Diadophis amabilis pulchellus Baird & Girard, 1853.
Size: Adults, 8-19 inches
Identifying Attributes: D. p. pulchellus is characterized by a very broad, uninterrupted neck ring, 2-3 scales wide; 15 rows of dorsal scales. Dorsal color is dark blue to dark green-blue, to violet-slate on the tail. The head is black. The ventral surface is bright orange, becoming scarlet ahead of the vent and under the tail. Black spots are small or absent on the ventral surface.
Range: Western slope of the Sierra Nevadas to southern Oregon.
Macro: Dry pines forests.
Micro: In shaded ground, under logs, rocks, dead leaves and most moist debris.
Feeding: Eats insects, lizards, and small snakes.