Diadophis punctatus (Ring-necked Snake)
about the species
The ring-necked snake, Diadophis punctatus, is a widespread species native to much of the continental US in relatively moist woodland habitat. In California, the species includes seven subspecies that constitute an ecological and geographical replacement series surrounding the great Central Valley in the low-mid elevation oak/conifer woodland belt. However, some authors have challenged the traditional subspecies taxonomy, arguing that the snakes form a more continuous replacement series with isolation-by-distance through the coast ranges and Sierra Nevada. As a very diminutive species (30-40 cm total length), ring-necked snakes rely almost exclusively on small salamanders and earthworms as prey, and are an important component of the leaf-litter fauna.
why species was selected
Given their small size, high surface area-to-volume ratio, and reliance on leaf litter prey, they are particularly susceptible to climate-warming. In addition, the Regal ring-necked snake, Diadophis punctatus regalis, which restricted to a few mountain-tops in eastern San Bernardino and Inyo Counties, is a California Species of Special Concern (Thomson et al, 2016) and an important, if understudied species for conservation efforts in the remote sky island habitats in which it occurs. Given its wide range and broad geographic distribution across much of the state and its status as a narrow endemic SSC, it fits well with the mission of the CCGP.
