Scarlet Kingsnake
Lampropeltis elapsoides
A small, vividly banded red, black, and yellow kingsnake of the southeastern US that mimics the venomous coral snake.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.35-0.5 m (14-20 in)
- Range
- Southeastern United States
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Overview
The scarlet kingsnake is a small, secretive colubrid found throughout the southeastern United States, known for its brilliant red, black, and yellow banding that closely mimics the venomous eastern coral snake. This mimicry is a classic example of Batesian defense.
Completely harmless, it is a constrictor that spends much of its life hidden beneath bark, logs, and leaf litter.
How to identify it
- Bright red, black, and yellow bands encircling the body
- Red bands bordered by black, then yellow (red touches black, not yellow), unlike coral snakes
- Red snout with black markings, unlike the black snout of coral snakes
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Small head barely distinct from the neck
Habitat & range
Found in pine flatwoods, hardwood forests, and sandy woodlands across the southeastern United States, often sheltering under loose bark or logs.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive and mostly nocturnal, spending days hidden under bark or debris. Feeds on small lizards, snakes, and occasionally small rodents. Egg-laying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the scarlet kingsnake venomous?
No, it is completely non-venomous and harmless.
How do you tell it apart from a coral snake?
In the scarlet kingsnake, red touches black bands, whereas in the venomous eastern coral snake, red touches yellow.
Where is it found?
It occurs throughout the southeastern United States in forested and sandy habitats.
What does it eat?
It preys on small lizards, snakes, and occasionally small rodents.
Scarlet Kingsnake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Scarlet Kingsnake.
Scarlet Kingsnake identified by the community
Real snakes identified with Snake Identifier.
