Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides)

This Scarlet Kingsnake is resting on Sandhills Pyxie-moss (Pyxidanthera brevifolia), a rare plant endemic to the Carolinas.

Non-venomous and harmless to humans, Scarlet Kingsnakes are constrictors, feeding on mice, shrews, and small reptiles like lizards and other snakes.

Scarlet Kingsnakes can be distinguished from the similar but venomous Coral Snake by the color of its snout (red in Scarlet Kingsnake and black in Coral Snakes) and by its color pattern (red touches black in Scarlet Kingsnake; red touches yellow in Coral Snake).

Scarlet Kingsnakes have a detailed belly pattern similar to the dorsal pattern with the addition of black spots in the light bands, whereas the similar Scarlet Snake has an unmarked light belly.