Snake
Posted by Missie Guynn on August 17, 2006
Q: This morning I found an extremely small snake. It was no bigger than a worm. It was black, with a white band around the neck. I was wondering what kind of snake it was.
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: Maryland
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: Sounds like a Ringneck Snake to me. Ringnecks are small (15"), entirely harmless invertebrate-eating snakes found throughout the eastern and midwestern US. There are many subspecies of ringneck — Maryland has two subspecies. Northern Ringneck Snakes inhabit most of the northern and western part of the state, but in eastern Maryland (bordering Delaware) one can find Southern Ringneck Snakes. The two subspecies intergrade through much of the state. The ring on a Southern Ringneck Snake's neck is typically broken on top by dark pigment. The degree to which the ring is broken might vary ñ perhaps especially in areas of integration. Southern Ringnecks also typically have a row of dark spots down the middle of the belly, while the Northern Ringneck has a solid yellow belly.
Hope this helps!
Solon Morse ( August 17, 2006)