Diadophis punctatus

This attractive snake has a brightly orange-red colored belly and a characteristic orange or red ring around its neck. It has enlarged teeth in the rear of its upper jaw that are capable of delivering paralyzing venom to the small prey it hunts. This venom is not dangerous to humans. However, when disturbed these snakes will tightly coil their tails and reveal their bright undersides in an apparent warning to stay back. This is known as aposematic coloration. Its diet includes a wide range of prey: lizards and salamanders when available, but also frogs, smaller snakes, slugs, earthworms, and insects.

Cool Fact:

Ringneck snakes can reach 15 years in age.