Scientific research is lacking for the species, despite their apparently common status, and more in-depth investigations are greatly needed.

[5] The ring-necked snake is perhaps best-known for its unique defensive posture: when threatened, it curls its tail into a tight coil, partially rolls onto its back, and shows its bright red-orange underside and ventral surface.

which have red, yellow, white or black stripes, an adaptation meant to confuse predators by visually mimicking the venomous coral snakes (Elapidae) which share much of their range.

Its dorsal coloration is solid olive, brown, bluish-gray to smoky black, broken only by a distinct yellow, red, or yellow-orange neck band.

[7] Rarely do individuals lack both the ventral and neck band coloration, so the use of those two characteristics is the simplest way to distinguish the species.

[6] Ring-necked snakes are fairly common throughout much of the United States extending into southeastern Canada and central Mexico.

[7] Distribution moves inland into northern Minnesota, continuing diagonally through the US to include all of Iowa, eastern Nebraska, and most of Kansas.

[7] Northern and western subspecies are found within open woodlands near rocky hillsides, or in wetter environments with abundant cover or woody debris.

Dens are usually shared communally,[7] and are identifiable by an existent subsurface crevasse or hole deep enough to prevent freezing temperatures.

Though they prefer to remain away from human-made structures, ring-neck snakes are not afraid to utilize urbanized areas as refuge from predators.

[7] Michigan populations of the Eastern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) feed almost exclusively on red-backed salamanders.

In a study analyzing the dietary habits of this species, age, amount of food consumed, and temperature were conditions that highly affected digestion.

[4] Most subspecies are rear-fanged with the last maxillary teeth on both sides of the upper jaw being longer and channeled;[4] the notable exception is D. p. edwardsii, which is fangless.

Next, they maneuver their mouths forward, ensuring the last maxillary tooth punctures the skin and allowing the venom to enter the prey's tissue.