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D. p. similis, San Diego Ring-necked Snake
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D. p. similis, San Diego Ring-necked Snake
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D. p. amabilis, Pacific Ring-necked Snake
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D. p. amabilis, Pacific Ring-necked Snake
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D. p. amabilis, Pacific Ring-necked Snake
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An adult D. punctatus found basking on a rocky slope.
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Found trailside adjacent to small creek.
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Comprehensive examination preformed by Chris R. Feldman of University of Nevada, Reno, determined this shed as belong to Diadophis punctatus regalis. Chris Feldman states, It was fairly easy to rule out most other small desert snakes given the size, shape, and placement of the eyes. And while Tantilla is the closest in terms of resemblance, the size and shape of the head scutes was much more consistent with Diadophis. But the absolute clincher is the fact that the skin has 17 dorsal scales at midbody. No other other small desert snakes has this feature. I also used some water to soften the skin and draw out any pigmentation, an old trick. This allowed me to manipulate the skin so I could invert the and head back to its normal position and get a much better view of the head scutes. When I did this I could clearly see the loreal scale that Diadophis possesses and Tantilla lacks. I feel confident with Chriss results and, I too believe this cast skin as being that of D. p. regalis.
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Comprehensive examination preformed by Chris R. Feldman of University of Nevada, Reno, determined this shed as belong to Diadophis punctatus regalis. Chris Feldman states, It was fairly easy to rule out most other small desert snakes given the size, shape, and placement of the eyes. And while Tantilla is the closest in terms of resemblance, the size and shape of the head scutes was much more consistent with Diadophis. But the absolute clincher is the fact that the skin has 17 dorsal scales at midbody. No other other small desert snakes has this feature. I also used some water to soften the skin and draw out any pigmentation, an old trick. This allowed me to manipulate the skin so I could invert the and head back to its normal position and get a much better view of the head scutes. When I did this I could clearly see the loreal scale that Diadophis possesses and Tantilla lacks. I feel confident with Chriss results and, I too believe this cast skin as being that of D. p. regalis.
