Lampropeltis Elapsoides

Lampropeltis elapsoides, commonly known as the scarlet kingsnake, is a nonvenomous species of kingsnake found in the southeastern and eastern portions of the United States. They are found in pine flatwoods hardwood hammocks, prairies, cultivated fields, and suburban areas. Long thought to be divergent from other tri-color kingsnakes and milksnakes, Pyron & Bubrink demonstrated the phylogenetic distinction of this species and its closer relationship to the mountain kingsnakes of the Southwest than to milksnakes. These fossorial snakes are among the smallest of all kingsnakes, usually ranging from 16 to 20 inches (40 to 50 cm) at maturity. The maximum recorded length is 27 inches (68.4 cm). Hatchlings range in size from 3.5 to 7.5 inches (10 to 20 cm).