The scarlet king snake, also known as Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides, is a nonvenomous snake. It belongs to the same genus as the milk snake and the corn snake, which are also nonvenomous. Despite its harmless nature, the scarlet king snake has a coloration that closely resembles that of coral snakes, which are venomous and can deliver a poisonous bite. This mimicry serves as a form of protection for the scarlet king snake, as potential predators may mistake it for a dangerous coral snake and avoid attacking it.
I have personally encountered scarlet king snakes in the wild and have observed their striking coloration. They have vibrant red, black, and yellow banding that is very similar to that of coral snakes. This resemblance is not coincidental, as it helps the scarlet king snake to deter predators and avoid being attacked.
It is important to note that although the scarlet king snake’s coloration is similar to that of coral snakes, there are some key differences between the two species. One common mnemonic to remember the difference is the saying “Red touches yellow, kill a fellow; red touches black, venom lack.” In the case of the scarlet king snake, its bands of red and yellow touch, while the black bands separate them. This pattern is the opposite in coral snakes, where the red and yellow bands touch, and the black bands separate them.
While the scarlet king snake may resemble a dangerous coral snake, it does not possess venom or pose a threat to humans. Its mimicry is a survival strategy to deter potential predators. It relies on the assumption that predators will associate its coloration with the venomous coral snake and choose to avoid it.
In terms of behavior, scarlet king snakes are generally docile and rarely bite unless provoked or threatened. However, it is always important to exercise caution and respect when encountering any snake in the wild. Even nonvenomous snakes have the ability to bite if they feel threatened, and their bites can still cause pain and potential infection.
To summarize, the scarlet king snake is a nonvenomous snake that closely resembles the coloration of coral snakes. This mimicry is a form of protection, deterring potential predators from attacking the snake. While scarlet king snakes are harmless to humans, it is important to exercise caution and respect when encountering them in the wild. Remembering the saying “Red touches yellow, kill a fellow; red touches black, venom lack” can help differentiate between venomous coral snakes and nonvenomous scarlet king snakes.