Species Reptiles & AmphibiansScarlet Kingsnake

Scarlet Kingsnake

Lampropeltis elapsoides

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides)

The Scarlet Kingsnake is a small, secretive mimic of the Eastern Coral Snake. Its red-black-yellow banding is superficially similar to the coral snake but the colors are in a different order. Found under bark and logs.

Habitat
Pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and forest edges
Diet
Small lizards, snakes, and rodents
How common
Common

Best time to see a Scarlet Kingsnake

The best time to see a Scarlet Kingsnake is March–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,122 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Often confused with

Eastern Coral Snake - see how to tell them apart

Recent Scarlet Kingsnake sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Scarlet Kingsnake? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Scarlet Kingsnake is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love reptiles & amphibians? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More reptiles & amphibians

Scarlet Snake
Scarlet Snake
Cemophora coccinea
Seal Salamander
Seal Salamander
Desmognathus monticola
Sharp-tailed Snake
Sharp-tailed Snake
Contia tenuis
Short-horned Lizard
Short-horned Lizard
Phrynosoma hernandesi
Short-tailed Snake
Short-tailed Snake
Stilosoma extenuatum
Shovel-nosed Salamander
Shovel-nosed Salamander
Desmognathus marmoratus
Sidewinder
Sidewinder
Crotalus cerastes
Six-lined Racerunner
Six-lined Racerunner
Aspidoscelis sexlineata