How Big Do Ringneck Snakes Get?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most adult Ring-necked Snakes are about

8-14 inches (21-36 cm) in total length

. Adults are small and slender with a black or slate gray body and a yellowish ring across the neck, which may be incomplete or missing. The belly and underside of the tail are bright yellow, orange, or red.

Can you keep a ringneck snake as a pet?


Many people keep ringneck snakes as pets

.

These snakes are readily available in pet stores. The docile and (kind of) non-venomous nature of the snake is two reasons for their popularity as pets. While the snakes are easy to maintain, they can be difficult to feed.

Do ringneck snakes bite?

As they

barely bite

and have weak venom, ringneck snakes aren’t dangerous to humans. Ringneck snakes are not dangerous to humans. While they have a very weak venom in their saliva, ringneck snakes barely bite humans. They are among the best snakes to keep as pets for many reasons.

Are ringneck snakes aggressive?

Also, their venom evolved towards the snake’s feeding needs

they seldom show aggressiveness against larger predators

indicating that the venom isn’t used as a defensive measure. Their venom is considered totally innocuous to humans and therefore ringneck snakes are considered harmless.

What do baby ringneck snakes eat?

Pet ringneck snakes usually eat

earthworms, slugs, mealworms, and sometimes crickets

. They eat every few days. They also need a bowl of water daily. In the wild, ringneck snakes have a more varied diet with salamanders, small frogs and toads, small lizards, and baby snakes of species other than ringneck snakes.

How long do ringneck snakes live?

The average longevity of this reptile species in the wild is

10 years

. However, the maximum recorded lifespan is 20. In captivity, they would live less – up to 6 years.

Do ringneck snakes swim?

Boca Raton, FL, August 17, 2013. Ringneck snakes are, according to the Florida Natural History Museum,

the most frequently found snake in Florida swimming pools

—they crawl in to get a drink and then cannot climb out because they are too small to reach the lip of the pool.

Why do ringneck snakes curl their tails?

The Ring-necked Snake is a small, slender snake. Adults average around 14 inches in length. When under attack, these snakes will coil their tails showing the bright red underside while hiding their head under their body. This is

thought to reduce predation by giving the impression they may be toxic to eat

.

How many eggs does a ringneck snake lay?


Three to ten

eggs are laid in June or early July in covered, moist locations. Communal nests are not uncommon. The eggs, approximately 2.5 cm long, hatch in August or September. The young are about 10 cm long at birth and become sexually mature by their fourth summer.

Is a black snake with a yellow ring around its neck poisonous?

Diadophis punctatus, commonly known as the ring-necked snake or ringneck snake, is a

harmless

species of colubrid snake found throughout much of the United States, central Mexico, and southeastern Canada. Ring-necked snakes are secretive, nocturnal snakes, so are rarely seen during the day time.

Do ringneck snakes hibernate?

Northern ring-necked snakes

hibernate beginning in late September or October

. They use old stone foundations or abandoned woodchuck, chipmunk or vole burrows for dens. They are usually more nocturnal but may be day-active in the spring and fall. Northen ring-necked snakes eat mostly earthworms and small salamanders.

Do ringneck snakes need a heat lamp?


Ventral heat not necessary

, but UV lighting might not hurt. An incandescent bulb above the cage is recommended for providing heat, but it looks like ringnecks may prefer cooler temperatures. Branches might be used by the snakes for climbing and basking.

How do you get rid of ringneck snakes?

  1. Snake traps. Snake traps work with the same idea of rat traps. …
  2. Snake baits. Snakes are carnivores, meaning that they will only devour meat. …
  3. Snake repellents. …
  4. Snake removal services. …
  5. Q&A. …
  6. Snake species. …
  7. Snake facts. …
  8. Snake species.

How often should you feed a ringneck snake?

Feed your snake

two to four times a week

. Most snakes will prefer earthworms, but based on the snake’s native habitat, other insects may be preferred, such as crickets or slugs.

What kind of snake has a orange ring around its neck?

Description:

Ringneck snakes

are small — 10 – 15 in (25 – 38 cm) — slender snakes that are generally grayish with a yellow or orange band around the back of the neck and a yellow or orange underside.

How can you tell if a ringneck is male or female?

Do ringneck snakes live in groups?

Though Ring-necked snakes are highly secretive, they do display some social structure.

Many populations have been identified to have large colonies of more than 100 individuals

.

How long does it take for a ringneck snake to shed?

Finally, the snake seeks a rough surface to rub against, and the old skin sheds off from head to tail as it rubs. This entire process can take

7-14 days

.

What is the smallest pet snake?


Barbados Threadsnake

– the smallest pet snake available

It’s not very often kept as a pet, but it certainly qualifies for this list based on its petite dimensions. Barbados threadsnakes usually only grow to 4 inches / 10cm. Hatchlings are just 1/10 of the size of an adult.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.