Florida Scarlet Snake

Cemophora coccinea coccinea

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

This southeasternmost representative of the genus differs from its more widespread northern relative only in having 7 (rather than 6) upper labial (lip) scales. This subspecies also has a white to off-white (sometimes yellowish) ground color, and elongate red saddles narrowly bordered by black. The pupil is round, scales are smooth and the anal plate is entire. Best differentiated from the northern scarlet snake by range. Adult at 20 to 30 inches in length.

Unique Features:

The red nose will identify this snake as a harmless species, as will the fact that the dorsal markings are saddles, not rings, and narrow black markings separate the red from the white. Scarlet snakes feed primarily on eggs of other reptiles.

Habitat and Diet:

Sandy or other loose soils. This snake may often be seen on roads on cloudy, humid, nights. Scarlet snakes feed primarily on eggs of other reptiles