Scarlet King Snakes: Habitat, Diet, and 6 Interesting Facts

Meet the Scarlet King Snake

The scarlet king snake is one of the most visually stunning snakes in North America. With its bright bands of red, black, and yellow, it looks remarkably similar to the venomous coral snake, which has earned it both admiration from reptile lovers and unnecessary fear from people who mistake it for its dangerous lookalike. But the scarlet king snake is completely harmless, and once you get to know this little snake, it is hard not to be impressed by it.

Habitat and Range

Scarlet king snakes are found throughout the southeastern United States, from New Jersey south to Florida and west to eastern Texas. They prefer wooded habitats including pine forests, hardwood forests, and the edges of swamps and marshes. These snakes are highly secretive and spend most of their time underground or hidden under bark, logs, rocks, and leaf litter.

Because of their secretive nature, scarlet king snakes are rarely seen in the open. Most encounters happen when people are turning over logs, lifting rocks, or removing bark from dead trees. They are most active at night and during warm, rainy weather when they come to the surface to hunt.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Scarlet king snakes have a specialized diet compared to many other king snake species. Their primary food includes small lizards (especially skinks), other small snakes, and occasionally small rodents and lizard eggs. Their slender body and small head are well adapted for entering the burrows and hiding spots where their prey lives.

Like other king snakes, scarlet king snakes are constrictors that wrap around their prey and squeeze. They are immune to the venom of certain other snake species, which allows them to prey on small venomous snakes when the opportunity arises.

Scarlet King Snake vs. Coral Snake

The resemblance between scarlet king snakes and coral snakes is one of the best examples of mimicry in the animal kingdom. Both snakes have bands of red, black, and yellow, but the arrangement is different. On a scarlet king snake, red bands are bordered by black bands. On a coral snake, red bands touch yellow bands. The old saying “red touches yellow, kills a fellow; red touches black, friend of Jack” is a helpful way to remember the difference.

Beyond color pattern, there are other differences. Scarlet king snakes have wider heads relative to their necks, while coral snakes have small, rounded heads that blend smoothly into their bodies. Scarlet king snakes also tend to be more active and curious when encountered, while coral snakes are typically shy and quick to hide.

6 Interesting Facts About Scarlet King Snakes

1. They Are One of the Smallest King Snakes

Scarlet king snakes are small even by king snake standards. Adults typically reach only 14 to 20 inches in length, with the largest individuals occasionally reaching 27 inches. Their slender build and small size make them one of the most compact members of the king snake family. This small size is an adaptation to their fossorial (underground dwelling) lifestyle.

2. Their Mimicry Actually Works

Research has confirmed that the scarlet king snake’s resemblance to the coral snake provides real protection from predators. Studies have shown that predators in areas where coral snakes are present are much less likely to attack snake shaped objects with red, black, and yellow banding. This Batesian mimicry gives the harmless scarlet king snake a significant survival advantage.

3. They Are Fossorial

Scarlet king snakes spend the vast majority of their lives underground or under cover. They are perfectly adapted for burrowing through loose soil, leaf litter, and the spaces under tree bark. Their smooth scales, slender bodies, and small pointed heads are all adaptations for moving through tight underground spaces. You are much more likely to find one by flipping a log than by walking through a field.

4. They Are Difficult to Keep as Pets

While scarlet king snakes are beautiful, they are considered one of the more challenging king snake species to keep in captivity. Their specialized diet (preferring lizards over mice) can make feeding difficult. Some individuals refuse to eat mice entirely, requiring owners to provide skinks or other lizards. Their secretive nature also means they spend most of their time hiding, making them less rewarding as display animals compared to other king snake species.

5. They Lay Small Clutches of Eggs

Female scarlet king snakes lay relatively small clutches of 2 to 9 eggs, usually in early summer. The eggs are deposited in underground cavities, rotting wood, or other hidden locations. The incubation period is approximately 45 to 65 days. Hatchlings are tiny, often only about 5 to 7 inches long, and look like miniature versions of the adults with the same vivid banding pattern.

6. Their Conservation Status Is Stable

Scarlet king snakes are not currently considered threatened or endangered across most of their range. However, like many snake species, they face pressure from habitat loss as forests are cleared for development. They are also sometimes killed by people who mistake them for coral snakes. Protecting forest habitats and educating the public about the difference between scarlet king snakes and coral snakes are important for their long term survival.

Frequently Asked Questions