Scarlet Snake

Characteristics

• The species is nocturnal and usually hides under dead leaves so is not commonly seen by humans
• Average length is between 14 to 26 inches
• Diet consists of lizards, small rodents, and other snakes

The scarlet snake is one of many nonvenomous snakes that is patterned to look similar to the highly venomous coral snake.  The saying “Red touch black, you’re OK Jack. Red touch yellow, you’re dead fellow.” is useful to identify between coral snakes and its many impostors. The scarlet snake is a small to medium sized snake that is light grey with black-bordered red blotches.