Scarlet Kingsnake
Lampropeltis elapsoides • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Lampropeltis, Species: L. elapsoides
Venomous Status
Non-venomous (aglyphous)
Danger Level
Harmless - poses no risk to humans or pets beyond a minor mechanical bite if extremely provoked.
Geographic Range
Southeastern United States, from southern New Jersey through Florida and westward into eastern Texas and the Mississippi River Valley.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN), though they face threats from habitat loss and the pet trade in certain states where they are protected.
Physical Description
Bright red, black, and yellow (or white/cream) bands that encircle the body. The snout is red and pointed. In this species, the red bands touch black bands, following the mnemonic 'Red on black, friend of Jack.' Scales are smooth and glossy.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be a small adult or sub-adult, roughly 12-16 inches. Typical adult length ranges from 14 to 20 inches, with a maximum record of about 27 inches.
Habitat
Prefer pine flatwoods, pine-oak forests, and sandhills. Often found under bark of dead pine trees, rotting logs, or buried in leaf litter. Elevation range is generally low coastal plains to mid-latitudes.
Behavior & Temperament
Secretive, nocturnal, and fossorial (burrowing). Generally very docile and rarely bites when handled, though they may release musk if threatened. Peak activity occurs during spring and early summer.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily sauriphagous (eats lizards), but also consumes small snakes, frogs, and occasionally small rodents. Uses constriction to dispatch prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 2 to 9 eggs during the summer, which hatch in late summer or early fall.
Venom Profile
Venom Type
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
AI-generated — see a qualified source if acting on this. For any snakebite, call emergency services immediately.
Look-alikes
Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius): Red touches yellow (venomous). Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea): Has a red snout but bands do not fully encircle the belly. Northern Mole Kingsnake: Duller colors and different pattern.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN), though they face threats from habitat loss and the pet trade in certain states where they are protected.
Cultural Significance
Famous as a primary example of Batesian mimicry, where a harmless species evolves to look like a dangerous one (the Coral Snake) to deter predators.
Notable Features
Often mistaken for the venomous Coral Snake due to its brilliant coloration. It is one of the most colorful snakes in North America and spends most of its life hidden under the bark of pine trees.