Diadophis punctatus occidentalis is one of 14 subspecies of ring-necked snakes found throughout the continental U.S., southern Canada and northern Mexico. They famously curl and expose their tail with its orange ventral side-up when they feel defensive. While lacking true venom glands, their last maxillary teeth do produce a venom which is used in the subduing of small salamanders, earthworms, slugs and other diminutive prey.
