CHAPTER XXXVI: THE RING-NECKED SNAKES 



Genus Diadophis 



Small, Smooth-scaled Serpents with Characteristic Markings 



The genus Diadophis is composed of four, small species. 

 Three inhabit the United States and Mexico; one species occurs 

 on the island of New Providence, in the Bahamas. 



The North American species are characteristic in their 

 peculiar colouration — a bright yellow ring about the neck and 

 in bold contrast to the sombre body-colour, either uniform dark 

 gray or brown. These snakes are of rather slender build. The 

 scales are smooth and glossy. All are of small size and secretive 

 habits. 



As is usually the case with small serpents, the colouration 

 and conformation of the species are quite similar and it is im- 

 possible to present strictly popular descriptions that would be of 

 value in actual identification. Thus it is necessary to count 

 the rows of scales and the plates of the abdomen, to properly 

 separate the species. Locality alone, however, will in many 

 instances determine the name of a specimen; hence in the fol- 

 lowing key, the distribution of each species is given. 



Key to the Ring-necked Snakes 



a. A bright yellow ring on neck. Body uniform gray or 

 brown. 



*Ftfteen rows of scales. 



1 60, or a lesser number of abdominal plates. Gray or 

 brown above; yellow beneath. 



EASTERN RING-NECKED SNAKE, D. pUnctatUS. 



Distribution. — U. S. east of the Mississippi; Canada. 

 210, or a lesser number of abdominal plates. Brown or 

 gray above; yellow or red beneath. 



WESTERN RING-NECKED SNAKE, D. amabiUs. 



Distribution.— V^estern States and the Pacific region. 



b. Yellow collar obscure or absent. 

 **Seventeen rows of scales. 



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