Ring-Necked Snake

Ring-necked snakes (Diadophis punctatus) are common in the United States, as well as parts of Mexico and Canada. In Arizona, you’ll find them primarily in the central and southeast portions of the state; this one was photographed near Rio Rico, north of Nogales. Known for their blue-gray bodies and bright-orange to red bellies, the snakes live underground and are typically active during the midmorning hours. These reptiles are mildly venomous and use that power to subdue their prey of other snakes, lizards and insects.