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Northern Scarletsnake (Cemophora coccinea copei)

Description Habitats Habits and Life History Prey and Hunting Techniques

Temperament and Defense Conservation State Distribution and Abundance Gallery

Contributors Bibliography Discussion

Description

This smallish snake is identified by a tricolored pattern of "red", "black", and "white". In truth, the three main colors can vary greatly. The "red" color may range from a bright red to a duller orange, whereas the "white" color is typically more gray, cream, or even tan. Although the patterning follows a red-black-white-black alternation, there is great variation within this construct so that no two specimens ever look exactly alike. The belly coloration is a solid cream. The snout is generally red and very pointed for digging. The eyes are black and beady.

This species can be distinguished from the more common Milksnake (the other nonvenomous "tricolored" in Arkansas) by the shape of its head. The Milksnake has a decidedly more rounded snout than in the Scarletsnake. Also, the Milksnake has a patterned belly, whereas the Scarletsnake's is plain.

This species, a coralsnake mimic, can be distiguished from the ⚠ venomous Texas Coralsnake by the shape of the head and alternation of colors. The Texas Coralsnake has a black, round head and "red touches yellow".

This tricolored snake is sometimes incorrectly called a Scarlet Kingsnake. ''Lampropeltis elapsoides is the true Scarlet Kingsnake and is not found in Arkansas.

Habitats

This species is an extremely shy and reclusive burrower; seeming to prefer loose soils. On the very rare occasions where one is uncovered, it is almost always during excavation work. Specimens have also been found on warm nights or after heavy summer rains. Despite these generalities, finding a Scarletsnake still seems to me to be "a stroke of pure luck".

Habits and Life History

Due to their rarity and difficulty of keeping in captivity, little is known of their habits or life history. They are known to lay eggs.

Prey and Hunting Techniques

In the wild, this species preys almost exclusively on other reptile eggs. If an egg cannot be swallowed completely, the snake will twist and chew the egg until its contents are exposed, then it will ingest the soft contents. Occasionally, lizards, small mice, and other snakes are taken as prey; killed by constriction.

Temperament and Defense

The primary defense for this species is its secretive and ⚠ fossorial nature. If uncovered, the bright coloration provides a warning to a potential predator. In essence, the bright reds and bold patterning symbolize that the snake is either dangerous or tastes bad. In this case, the warning is a complete bluff!

Of the few specimens I have handled, I have found this species to be fairly easy to handle and reluctant to bite. Like many snakes, a specimen in hand will emit feces and a foul-smelling musk as a deterrent. One may also try to burrow into a handler's hands with its sharp snout.

Conservation

This species currently has no special protections in Arkansas. Due to its rarity of appearance, it is monitored by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission as a rare species (though it is thought to be numerically secure). Still, data for this species is sparse and much more needs to be learned to ensure its future existence.

State Distribution and Abundance

Except for a very narrow band across a portion of the northern border of the state, this species is thought to occur statewide. It is one of the most rarely seen snakes in Arkansas. This, however, does not necessarily mean that it is rare in number. It is currently thought to be secure, though supporting data is sparse.

Gallery

⚠ (:flickrgallery:)

Contributors

• kaptainkory March 22, 2006, at 12:55 PM (Original Contributor)

Bibliography

• Behler, J. L., and F. W. King. 1979 (1987). The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. 3rd ed. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. 743 pp.
• Conant, R., and J. T. Collins. 1998. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. 3rd ed., Expanded. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. 616 pp.
• Irwin, K. J. 2004. Arkansas Snake Guide. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Pocket Guide. 50 pp.
• Trauth, S. E., H. W. Robison, and M. V. Plummer. 2004. Amphibians and Reptiles of Arkansas. University of Arkansas Press, Fayetteville. 421 pp.

Discussion

< Texas Gulf-Coast Coralsnake | Snake | North American Racer >