ring snake

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ring snake

A child carefully observes a ring snake in the garden.

Definition

Noun 1. A small, nonvenomous North American snake characterized by a distinct yellow or orange ring around its neck. This refers to several species, such as the ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus). 2. A harmless European snake, specifically the grass snake (Natrix natrix), identifiable by a bright yellow or whitish collar marking behind its head. This species is common in parts of England and Europe.

Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • We found a ring snake under the log; its orange neck ring was very vivid.
    • The ring snake, often called a grass snake here, is a protected species in this country.
    • Unlike venomous snakes, the ring snake is harmless to humans.
Advanced Usage
  • "Ring snake" as a herpetological term: The term is used in zoology and field guides to categorize these specific snakes based on their distinctive neck marking, which is a key identification feature.
Variants and Related Words
  • Ring-necked snake (n): The more precise common name for the North American .
  • Grass snake (n): The common name for the European ().
  • Collar snake (n): An occasional informal name referencing the same neck marking.
Synonyms
  • Ring-necked snake (for the North American species)
  • Grass snake (for the European species)
Related Phrases
  • Harmless snake: A general descriptive phrase that applies to the .
  • Colubrid snake: The family (Colubridae) to which most belong.
ring snake

A child carefully observes a ring snake in the garden.

Noun
  1. any of numerous small nonvenomous North American snakes with a yellow or orange ring around the neck
  2. harmless European snake with a bright yellow collar; common in England

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