Scarlet Kingsnake
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 Scarlet Kingsnake, Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides
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| Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides (Holbrook, 1838) |
The Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides) is a type of king snake that is found in the Eastern portion of the United States, particularly Florida. It is a subspecies of the milk snake Lampropeltis triangulum. It is significantly smaller than some of the other king snakes, usually well under 20 inches long.
The snake has a tri-color pattern of black, red, and yellow bands that mimic the venomous coral snake. A method to help differentiate between venomous and non venomous tri-color snakes in North America is found in the popular phrases "red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black venom lack" or "If red touches yellow, you're a dead fellow; if red touches black, you're alright, Jack" and "Red and black is a friend of Jack".
While the phrases can be helpful in North America to partially identify a certain amount of risk with the venomous coral snakes they should not be used as a means of identification. If "red touches black" it does not necessarily mean you are dealing with a non venomous snake and it certainly does not necessarily mean you are dealing with a scarlet kingsnake. Be advised that the "phrases" are not accurate outside of North America. Other localities have venomous snakes where the red and black touch - and even within North America there are other snake species besides the Scarlet Kingsnake which are not venomous and have similar markings. Do not handle snakes at all if you are not sure of the identification and or are not experienced in doing so.
Juvenile specimens of this snake often have rings that look more "off white" than yellow.
