Herpetofauna: One Life's List

Diadophis punctatus edwardsi
Northern Ringneck Snake

Union Co., Illinois May 1996

Down in Union County, at the southern tip of Illinois, Ringneck Snakes of several species come together, in a quiet collision of genes.  To the north along the Mississippi River, Northern Ringnecks intergrade with Prairie Ringnecks (arnyi); directly to the south along the river occur Mississippi Ringnecks (stictogenys). There is much variation among Ringnecks in this area.

The one pictured here is one hundred per cent edwardsii -  a full, unbroken neck ring, with just a few black dots on the ventral scutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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