Cool Critters - Regal Ringneck Snake

Cool Critters - Regal ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus regalis) 

This colorful beauty is a subspecies of ringneck snake endemic to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They are among the larger of the ringneck snake subspecies, growing from 20 to 87 cm long. The regal ringneck snake is found in the mountains, not in the desert. The regal ringneck snake, unlike other subspecies, is almost exclusively ophiophagous, having a diet that consists primarily of other snakes. They have enlarged rear teeth and a weak venom that serves to immobilize their small prey, but is harmless to humans. Ringneck snakes are nocturnal, secretive snakes which spend most of their time hiding under rocks or other ground debris. If threatened, the ringneck snake typically hides its head and twists its tail in a corkscrew type motion, exposing its brightly colored underside, and expels a foul smelling musk from its cloaca.