*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names:
Subspecies: Only the Mississippi Ring-necked Snake, Diadophis punctatus stictogenys, occurs within Louisiana.
Description:
Similar Species:
Species Range:
Louisiana Range: Statewide, but uncommon, or perhaps absent from much of west-central and southwest Louisiana.
Habitat:
Natural History:
Best Time and Place to Observe:
Global Conservation Status: Ring-necked Snakes are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G5 (Secure).
Federal Conservation Status: None
Louisiana Conservation Status: Ring-necked Snakes do not have any special status in Louisiana.
Author's Remarks: I have observed this species several times each year in the Atchafalaya Basin north of I-10, as well as in St. Bernard Parish, Waddill Outdoor Education Center in East Baton Rouge Parish, Bogue Chitto State Park in Washington Parish, Abita Creek Flatwoods, Big Branch Marsh NWR and other areas in St. Tammany Parish, Lee Memorial Forest in Washington Parish, and we found a parish record in 2020 in Vermilion Parish.
