Northern Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea coccinea)

Description:    Scarlet snakes are small, slender snakes that average 14-20 in (35-50 cm) in length, rarely exceeding 32 in (81 cm). They are patterned with alternating red, black, white (or yellow) bands. Their bellies are plain white or cream, a characteristic that distinguishes them from the similar sympatric Scarlet Kingsnake, which has bands encircling the entire body. The head is typically red and has a sharply pointed snout, which is an adaptation for burrowing into sandy soils. They have smooth, glossy scales which aid movement through thick vegetation, provide camouflage (particularly in wet habitats), and may serve as a warning to predators. Their bright coloration is sometimes considered to be a form of Batesian mimicry (a mimic of coral snakes). However, some biologists argue that it may be “pseudomimicry”, where the coloration arose without strong selective pressure. Young Scarlet Snakes look similar to adults but can often have more vibrant coloration.

Range and Habitat:    There are two recognized species of scarlet snakes: The Texas scarlet snake (Cemophora lineri), which is restricted to northeastern Mexico and Texas, and the northern scarlet snake (Cemophora coccinea). The northern scarlet snake is then divided into two subspecies: the northern scarlet snake (C. c. coccinea) and the Florida scarlet snake (C. c. copei). The northern scarlet snake ranges from Virginia south to Mississippi, and the Florida scarlet snake is confined to peninsular Florida. The remainder of this section describes the northern scarlet snake (C. c. coccinea), the most widespread and best-studied subspecies. Within the northern scarlet snake range, they are most often found in wooded areas, including sandy uplands, pinewoods, and mixed forests, but they also occur in fields, grassy ecotones, and along roadsides near wooded habitat. Although seldom seen, pitfall-trapping studies at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina demonstrated that they can be locally abundant in suitable habitat.

They are primarily fossorial and spend much of their time underground or beneath cover objects, particularly in sandy soils that allow easy burrowing. All capture sites in long-term studies were within about 100m of woodlands, reflecting their close association with forest edges.

Habits:    Because scarlet snakes are nocturnal and secretive, they are seldom observed. Most surface activity occurs between May and September, with peak activity in June and July. They can be seen crossing roads on warm summer nights, especially after rain, but may vanish quickly into sand or leaf litter when disturbed. Little is known about the foraging behavior of scarlet snakes. However, studies show that they specialize in eating reptilian eggs, particularly those of lizards and other snakes. However, they may also eat small lizards, frogs, and rodents. They have enlarged posterior maxillary teeth specialized for piercing reptilian eggs. When feeding, they hook these rear teeth into the eggshell, wrap their body around the egg to apply pressure, and squeeze the contents out for consumption.

Reproduction occurs in spring and early summer. Females lay 2-9 eggs in sandy soil, beneath rotting wood or artificial cover. Eggs hatch in late summer or fall, and the hatchlings are only 6-7 in (15-18 cm) long.

Ecologically, scarlet snakes function as mid-level predators, feeding on reptile eggs and small prey items while serving as prey for other snakes (coral snakes, kingsnakes, etc.), raptors, opossums, skunks, etc.

Scarlet snakes are harmless to humans and seldom attempt to bite.

Conservation Status:    Scarlet Snakes are often thought of as rare, but this reputation comes largely from their secretive habits. In fact, long-term studies have shown that they are more common than previously believed, particularly in sandy upland habitats with nearby woodlands. Habitat loss, especially the decline of longleaf pine ecosystems and sandy forests, poses the greatest threat to local populations. Road mortality is also a significant cause of death where snakes cross paved roads at night, and human persecution may decline populations. Despite these pressures, scarlet snakes are not currently listed as threatened or endangered, but they are protected in Georgia and South Carolina.

Pertinent References

• Nelson, D.H. & J.W. Gibbons. 1972. Ecology, abundance, and seasonal activity of the scarlet snake, Cemophora coccinea. Copeia 1972:582-584
• Jackson, J.F. & J.W. Franz. 1981. Seasonal activity of the scarlet snake, Cemophora coccinea. Copeia 1981:784-786
• Grobman, A.B. 1978. An alternative solution to the coral snake mimic problem. Copeia 1978:299-306
• Trauth, S.E. 1993. Enlarged posterior maxillary teeth in the scarlet snake, Cemophora coccinea (Serpentes: Colubridae), using scanning electron microscopy. Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science 47:157-160