NON-VENOMOUS

Scarlet Snake Cemophora coccinea copei

Scarlet Snakes are small constricting snakes similar to the kingsnakes. They are smooth scaled and colorfully marked. Adult size is considered to be in the range of 14 to 20 inches. However, most the specimens I have found have been in the range of 12 to 15 inches in length, although the most recent specimen was approximately 20 inches. Its body was much stouter than the smaller specimens that I have found.

Scarlet Snakes are considered to be mimics of the venomous Coral Snake. Scarlet Snakes have plain whithish or yellowish bellies and, thus, are easily distinguishable from the Coral Snakes.

My experience has been that Scarlet Snakes are uncommon. To date, I have found only four live specimens and only a few dead ones. I discovered my first live Scarlet Snake hiding under piece of plywood one frosty October morning over 35 years ago. The second live specimen (see picture) I found crossing a rural road on a May night in 1998. Both of these specimens were found in Laurens County. The largest specimen (see picture)I found in June 1998 on a residential road in Georgetown County. The most recent specimen was also found in Laurens County (see picture). Scarlet Snakes are more common in the Sandhills, Coastal Plain, and Coast than in the Piedmont where I spend most of my time. It has been said that in these regions, Scarlet Snakes are the species most often trapped by falling into swimming pools.

July 30, 2004
Contact: South Carolina Reptiles and Amphibians