Regal Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus regalis
-
- D. p. regalis – Cochise Co, AZ – Photo by Terry Cox
-
- D. p. regalis – Coconino Co, AZ – photo by Diego Ortiz
-
- D. p. regalis – Santa Cruz Co, AZ -photo by Diego Ortiz
-
- D. p. regalis – Santa Cruz Co, AZ – photo by Terry Cox
-
- D. p. regalis – Yavapai Co, AZ – photo by Will Wells
-
- D. p. regalis – Hidalgo Co, NM – Photo by Michael Price
-
- Map by Steve Bledsoe, SWCHR
DISTRIBUTION: In our region, Diadophis p. regalis occurs primarily in central and south New Mexico and eastern Arizona. The species also occurs in isolated populations in California, Nevada and Utah.
LEGAL STATUS: Diadophis p. regalis is protected in the state of California as a Species of Special Concern.
MEANING OF SCIENTIFIC NAME: Diadophis punctatus regalis (Baird & Gerard – 1853)
Genus: Diadophis, Latin – diadoma = crown + Greek – ophis = snake, serpent
Species: punctatus, Latin – punctat = dotted, spotted as with punctures – ref. to spotted belly of the species
Subspecies: regalis, Latin = king, royal
Ref. Ellen Beltz 2006
Ref. E. Jeager 1962