Cemophora coccinea                                            Photo Fiona Sunquist ©

Scarlet snakes are thought to be mimics of the venomous coral snake.  However, scarlet snakes are not venomous but kill their prey by constricting.  Adults measure 14-20 in (36-51 cm) long.

These snakes are smooth and shiny, the head is red and the belly is white.  The back is whitish gray interspersed with red, black-bordered, blotches.

Remember the mnemonic— “Red touches yellow, kill a fellow — Red touches black, friend of Jack.”

Scarlet snakes fed on lizards and other small reptiles. They are nocturnal and seldom seen, spending most of their time underground or hiding under logs or tree bark.

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