<P> Size also varies across the species' distribution . Typically, adults measure 25--38 cm (10--15 in) in length, except for D. p. regalis, which measures 38--46 cm (15--18 in). First - year juvenile snakes are typically about 20 cm (8 in) and grow about 2--5 cm (1--2 in) a year depending on the developmental stage or resource availability . </P> <P> Ring - necked snakes have smooth scales with 15--17 scale rows at midbody . Males typically have small tubercles on their scales just anterior to the vent, which are usually absent in females . </P> <P> Ring - necked snakes are fairly common throughout much of the United States extending into southeastern Canada and central Mexico . Eastern populations cover the entire Eastern Seaboard from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence continuous through the Gulf Coast of Texas . Distribution moves inland into northern Minnesota, continuing diagonally through the US to include all of Iowa, eastern Nebraska, and most of Kansas . In the western US, the distribution is significantly less continuous, with spotty, distinct population segments through most of the Pacific Northwest . Populations extend from south - central Washington continuing along the extreme West Coast into Mexico . Population segments extend inland into western Idaho, through southern Nevada, into central Utah, and continuing south through Arizona and central Mexico . </P> <P> Ring - necked snakes occur in a wide variety of habitats . Preference seems to be determined by areas with abundant cover and denning locations . Northern and western subspecies are found within open woodlands near rocky hillsides, or in wetter environments with abundant cover or woody debris . Southern subspecies exist primarily within riparian and wet environments, especially in more arid habitats . Stebbins (2003) identified the species as a snake of moist habitats, with moist soil conditions the preferred substrate . Ring - necked snakes are also not found above an elevation of 2,200 m (7,200 ft). In northern regions, dens are also important in identifying suitable ring - necked snake habitat . Dens are usually shared communally, and are identifiable by an existent subsurface crevasse or hole deep enough to prevent freezing temperatures . Since it is a woodland reptile, it can also commonly be found under wood or scraps . Because of hot weather, they tend to make holes and burrows, or they hide under rocks or any suitable material . They are normally found in flatland forests . </P>

Florida black snake with white ring around neck