Kenneth L. Krysko photo.
Southern Ringneck Snake, Diadophis punctatus punctatus
The ringneck snakes is one of Florida's prettiest and most easily identified snakes. Its back is black, and it has a bright yellow or orange ring around its neck, and a yellow, orange or reddish belly. Most are 10-12 inches (25-30.5 cm) long. In Fort Matanzas National Monument they hide in the leaf litter and under logs and fallen limbs in the more moist parts of the live oak hammock where they feed on earthworms, slugs, and small lizards.
