Scarlet Snake

(Cemophora coccinea)
Subspecies: Florida, Northern, Texas

Description:

14-32 1/4" (35.6-81.9 cm). Often mistaken for Coral Snake, but Scarlet's wide red bands are separated by much narrower black-bordered yellow bands. Bands do not encircle body. Belly plain white or yellow. Snout pointed and red. Scales smooth, in 19 rows. Anal plate single.

Breeding:

In June, lays 3-8 elongated leathery eggs, 1-1 3/8" (26-35 mm) long. Young hatch in late summer at about 6" (15 cm).

Habitat:

Hardwood, mixed, or pine fruit and adjacent open areas with sandy or loamy well-drained soils.

Range:

S. New Jersey to s. Florida, west to e. Oklahoma and extreme e. Texas; s. Texas.

Subspecies:

Florida (C. c. coccinea), black bands extend to 1st or 2nd scale rows, 7 upper lip scales, 1st black band does not touch parietal scales; peninsular Florida.

Northern (C. c. copei), similar to Florida, 6 upper lip scales, 1st black band touches parietals; s. New Jersey to n. Florida west to e. Oklahoma and extreme e. Texas.

Texas (C. c. lineri), black bands do not extend below 3rd scale row, no black along lower edges of red band; s. Texas.

A burrower, this species is rarely encountered during the day. From May to September it may prowl about at night. Occasionally it is found under rotting logs or stones or is unearthed by plows. Eggs of other reptiles appear to by the preferred food.

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