NC Snake Pictures / Scarlet Snake
Cemophora coccinea
Nonvenomous; adult size 14-26 inches (356 to 660 mm); uncommon
Distribution key: blue=where snake is found
Identify the scarlet snake from its look-alikes the Scarlet Kingsnake and the Coral snake by the fact that instead of bands around its body, it has red blotches surrounded by black on its back. The blotches are surrounded by the white, yellow or pale gray belly color.
The scarlet snake feeds on insects, lizards, small snakes, mice, and reptile eggs.
