Kenneth L. Krysko photo.

Scientific name: Diadophis punctatus acricus

Description: Average adult size is 6 inches (15.2 cm). Adults are small and slender-bodied with a slate gray body. Unlike other ringneck snakes, the ring normally present around the neck is indistinct or completely absent. The belly is bright yellow, fading to orange-red beneath the tail. There is a single row of half-moon spots down the center on the belly. The scales are smooth, and there are 15-17 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round. Juvenile color is similar to that of the adult.

Key ringneck snake: Left to right: Top of the head (notice the large plate-like scales on the top of the head); underside of the head (chin and throat).

Key ringneck snake: Left to right: Side of the head; front (face view) of the head.

Range: In Florida, it is found only on the lower keys including Big Pine, Little Torch, and Middle Torch. It is not found outside of Florida. Due to its very small range it is listed as a threatened species in the state of Florida.

Habitat: Rare, but occurs mainly in pinelands, tropical hardwood hammocks, and around limestone outcroppings.

Comments: and seldom bites. Little is known about the key ringneck snake, but it is sometimes seen under limestone rocks and boards, and crossing roads at night.

It feeds on small frogs and tadpoles, earthworms, slugs, anoles, geckos, and snakes.

Reproduction is thought to be similar to the southern ringneck snake.

Comparison with other species: The Florida brown snake (Storeria dekayi victa) has a light colored stripe down its back, flecking on its sides, and a distinct brown spot under the eye.

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