A Survey of the Herpetofauna of the Comanche National Grasslands in Southeastern
Colorado
Appendix 7:
Photographs of selected habitat and species of amphibians and
reptiles observered during the 1995-1997 field seasons
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| Prairie ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus arnyi). These secretive
fossorial snakes are most commonly found beneath logs or rocks when
soil moisture levels are high. Note the characteristic defense posture,
with the tail inverted and curled; this display may invoke a startle
response in potential predators. |
 |
| The ventral surface of ringneck snakes is brightly colored, grading
from yellow at the anterior to bright red at the posterior. Canyon bottoms
with well-developed soils and debris are typical habitat for ringneck
snakes in southeastern Colorado. |
Previous Section -- Eastern racer (
Coluber constrictor
flaviventris) & young adult racer
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Next Section -- Great Plains ratsnake (
Elaphe
guttata emoryi) & Neonate Great Plains ratsnake
