Scarlet Snake

Breeding:
In June, lays 3-8 elongated leathery eggs, 1-1 3/8 long. Young hatch in late summer at about 6”.

Habitat:
Hardwood, mixed, or pine forest and well-drained soils.

Range:
S. New Jersey to S. Florida, west to E. Oklahoma and extreme E. Texas; S. Texas.

Subspecies:
Florida, black bands extend to 1st or 2nd scale row, 7 upper lip scales, 1st black band does not touch parietal scales; peninsular Florida. A burrower, this species is rarely encountered during the day. From May to September it may prowl about at night. Occasionally it is found under rotting logs or stones or is unearthed by plows. Eggs of other reptiles appear to be the preferred food.