If you’re lucky enough to spot a ringneck snake you may be wondering what kind of food this brightly-coloured creature consumes. While their diets can vary depending on the specific species most ringneck snakes typically eat small lizards frogs toads snakes and insects. Some of the more common insects they’ll dine on include crickets grasshoppers and beetles.
These snakes will also often eat eggs – both bird and reptile eggs. In fact ringneck snakes are known to be particularly fond of skink eggs. Skinks are a type of small lizard that is also a common ringneck snake prey item.
While most ringneck snakes are not venomous there are a few species that are. The venomous species are typically found in Australia and Africa and their bites can cause serious health problems in humans. If you think you’ve been bitten by a venomous ringneck snake it’s important to seek medical help immediately.
If you’re interested in learning more about what ringneck snakes eat continue reading below. We’ll discuss the diet of both venomous and nonvenomous ringneck snakes in more detail as well as touch on some other interesting facts about these amazing creatures.
What Do Venomous Ringneck Snakes Eat?
There are three species of venomous ringneck snake: the African ringneck snake the Australian brown snake and the Australian red-bellied black snake. These snakes are all members of the Elapidae family which also includes cobras mambas and sea snakes.
While the diet of venomous and nonvenomous ringneck snakes is similar there are a few key differences. For instance venomous ringneck snakes are more likely to eat other snakes including venomous snakes. This is because they are immune to the venom of other snakes in the Elapidae family.
In addition to snakes venomous ringneck snakes will also eat small mammals such as rodents and bats. They will also eat lizards frogs toads and insects.
What Do Nonvenomous Ringneck Snakes Eat?
Nonvenomous ringneck snakes are found throughout North and South America as well as parts of Asia and Africa. There are many different species of nonvenomous ringneck snake and their diets can vary depending on the specific species.
In general however nonvenomous ringneck snakes will eat small lizards snakes frogs toads and insects. Some of the more common insects they’ll eat include crickets grasshoppers and beetles.
These snakes will also often eat eggs – both bird and reptile eggs. In fact ringneck snakes are known to be particularly fond of skink eggs. Skinks are a type of small lizard that is also a common ringneck snake prey item.
Ringneck Snake Diet FAQ
What do baby ringneck snakes eat?
Baby ringneck snakes typically eat small insects such as ants and termites. They will also eat small spiders scorpions and centipedes. As they get older and grow larger they will begin to eat small lizards snakes frogs and toads.
Do ringneck snakes eat fish?
While there are some species of snake that will eat fish ringneck snakes are not one of them. These snakes typically only eat small animals that they can fit whole into their mouths.
Do ringneck snakes eat mice?
While ringneck snakes will eat small mammals such as rodents they typically only eat them if they’re already dead. These snakes are not built for catching and killing live prey.
Do ringneck snakes eat birds?
Ringneck snakes will eat birds but this is not a common occurrence. These snakes typically only eat birds if they’re already dead.
What do I do if I find a ringneck snake?
If you find a ringneck snake the best thing to do is to leave it alone. These snakes are not aggressive and will not hurt you unless they feel threatened.
Do ringneck snakes eat insects?
Yes ringneck snakes typically eat insects but can also eat other small invertebrates lizards and frogs.
What do baby ringneck snakes eat?
Baby ringneck snakes eat insects such as ants beetles and caterpillars.
Do ringneck snakes eat rodents?
No ringneck snakes do not typically eat rodents.
What do adult ringneck snakes eat?
Adult ringneck snakes eat insects such as ants beetles and caterpillars as well as other small invertebrates lizards and frogs.
Do ringneck snakes eat birds?
No ringneck snakes do not eat birds.
What time of day do ringneck snakes hunt?
Ringneck snakes typically hunt during the day.
How often do ringneck snakes eat?
Ringneck snakes typically eat every 5-7 days.
What is the natural habitat of ringneck snakes?
The natural habitat of ringneck snakes is woodlands fields and gardens.
Do ringneck snakes hibernate?
Yes ringneck snakes typically hibernate during the winter months.
Where do ringneck snakes hibernate?
Ringneck snakes typically hibernate in log piles rock crevices and other sheltered areas.
Do ringneck snakes mate for life?
No ringneck snakes do not mate for life.
How often do ringneck snakes shed their skin?
Ringneck snakes typically shed their skin every 4-6 weeks.
Why do ringneck snakes shed their skin?
Ringneck snakes shed their skin to remove parasites to regulate their body temperature and to grow.
How long do ringneck snakes live?
Ringneck snakes typically live for 4-6 years.
What is the average lifespan of a ringneck snake?
The average lifespan of a ringneck snake is 4-6 years.
