Pantherophis guttatus
Pantherophis guttatus
Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus)
Also known as the ring-necked snake, the ringneck snake is a species of colubrid snake found throughout the United States, Mexico and parts of southeastern Canada. Ringneck snakes are nocturnal and feed on salamanders, slugs and other small animals. As their coloration may allude to, this snake is venomous, but only slightly they pose no threat to humans as they are usually non-aggressive. When threatened the ringneck snake will curl up their tail which exposes their bright underbelly to a potential predator letting them know that putting this snake on the menu would not be a good idea. This species has 13 distinct subspecies some of which have different coloration.
Phylogeny
Animalia-Chordata-Reptilia-Squamata-Serpentes-Colubridae-Diadophis-punctatus