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This site was created by students in the herpetology class at Towson University. Site last updated: 05/21/07.
Acknowledgements: Herb Harris - Range Maps; Mark Tegges - Photography; Dan Lapascha & Gigi Forester - TU Herpetology Logo
Scarlet snake
(Cemophora coccinea)
Description
This small to medium sized snake range in length from 14 to 25 inches. Scales are smooth, the anal plate is not divided, and there are 19 scale rows at mid-body. The dorsum is grey or white with large red bands that are bordered with black, and the head is always red. The red and black bands do not intrude onto the venter, as in some Lampropeltis species. Juveniles are patterned the same as adults, but the colors may be paler.
Habitat
The scarlet snake is a burrower and is most often associated with sandy soils in pine or shrub oak forests. Daylight hours are usually spent under logs, leaves, rocks, and other cover. The diet of scarlet snakes includes lizards, frogs, insects, small snakes, reptile eggs, and mice.
Breeding
Not much is known about the reproductive habits of scarlet snakes. Mating occurs in early summer, and 2-9 eggs are laid in moist decaying soil or logs later in the summer. The eggs probably hatch in August or September, and hatchlings are between 5 and 7 inches long.
Distribution in Maryland
Range map adapted from Harris, 1975.
Links
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/fl-guide/Cemophoraccopei.htm
http://www.dgif.state.va.us/wildlife/information/?s=030017
http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/cbd/herpdist/species/ce_coccine.html