Scarletsnake
Cemophora coccinea
Cemophora coccinea
HARMLESS
Description:
The scarletsnake resembles the milksnake in coloration, but the head and snout are red, and the belly is plain white or yellow. Has red bands outlined in black. The scales are smooth and the anal plate is single.
Size:
Adults 14 - 24 inches (36 - 61 cm)
Prey:
Snakes, lizards and their eggs, and small rodents
Reproduction:
Lays 3 - 8 eggs in June and they hatch in late summer. Hatchlings are approximately 6 inches (15 cm) long.
Habitat:
Pine forests and sandy areas
Other Information:
An extremely secretive species. This snake spends most of its time underground or under rocks and rotting logs. It is nocturnal and is occasionally unearthed by plows.
Why doesn't the range map show this species in my county?
Description:
The scarletsnake resembles the milksnake in coloration, but the head and snout are red, and the belly is plain white or yellow. Has red bands outlined in black. The scales are smooth and the anal plate is single.
Size:
Adults 14 - 24 inches (36 - 61 cm)
Prey:
Snakes, lizards and their eggs, and small rodents
Reproduction:
Lays 3 - 8 eggs in June and they hatch in late summer. Hatchlings are approximately 6 inches (15 cm) long.
Habitat:
Pine forests and sandy areas
Other Information:
An extremely secretive species. This snake spends most of its time underground or under rocks and rotting logs. It is nocturnal and is occasionally unearthed by plows.
Why doesn't the range map show this species in my county?