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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.

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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.

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