Diadophis punctatus vandenburgii (Blanchard)
the Monterey Ringneck Snake
Current Name
Original Name
Physical Description Habitat Natural History
Diadophis punctatus vandenburgii Blanchard, 1923.
Diadophis amabilis vandenburgii Blanchard, 1923.
Size: Adults, 7-20 inches
Identifying Attributes: The dorsal surface is a pale olive and the head is a dark olive. The neck ring is wide and uninterrupted. there are 17 rows of dorsal scales anteriorly, becoming 15 posteriorly. The ventral surface is orange, becoming scarlet at the tail, and is marked by small, infrequent, and irregular black spots.
Range: Ventura County to Santa Cruz County, California, at an elevation mainly of below 3,000 ft.
Macro: In coastal areas and foothills.
Micro: Under logs, boulders, loose bark , damp leaves, and other moist areas.
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.