Diadophis punctatus arnyi - Prairie Ring-necked Snake

Overview
Prairie ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus arnyi), a species of Special Concern, prefer to live in a variety of open or partially open canopy settings including bluff prairies, open rocky road cuts (usually southerly exposed), old fields with rocky structure at the surface or along railroad grades where access to underground retreats and overwintering habitat is suitable.

These snakes are highly secretive, spending much of the day under flat rocks, pieces of bark or in and under larger downed woody debris. In the spring and fall, they usually remain in open-canopy conditions but move to more shaded and moister places as summer approaches. Prairie ring-necked are active from April through early October. Breeding occurs from mid-April through May with eggs laid in June and hatching in August.