Small, slender, brightly banded snake with red, black, and yellow/cream rings; often confused with the venomous Eastern Coral Snake. Color-pattern rhymes are not a reliable way to tell them apart, so leave any brightly banded snake you cannot identify alone. Non-venomous constrictor that tends to be secretive, spending time under leaf litter, logs, and underground.
Diet
Small reptiles/amphibians and other small prey.
Activity Pattern
Nocturnal (Active at night)
Classification
Kingdom:Animalia
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Phylum:Chordata
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Class:Reptilia
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Order:Squamata
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Family:Colubridae
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Genus:Lampropeltis
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Species:Lampropeltis elapsoides
Scientific Name
Lampropeltis elapsoides
Characteristics
Breeding Season
late May - early June
Nesting Season
June - July
Migration Pattern
No migration
Lifespan
10 - 15
Tracks or Signs
Found under boards/logs/leaf litter; shed skins.
Behavior & Ecology
Behavior
Solitary; secretive; may mimic coral snake coloration as defense.
Ecological Role
Predator of small herps; part of forest-floor food web.
Active Seasons
Spring
Summer
Fall
Activity Pattern
Nocturnal (Active at night)
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat Types
Forest
Geographic Distribution
Southeastern United States (approximate distribution shown in Commons range map)
Local Abundance
Uncommon
Range Map
Conservation
Conservation Status
Least Concern
This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.
Threats & Impacts
Habitat loss/fragmentation; road mortality.
How You Can Help
Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
Support habitat conservation efforts
Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
Field Notes
Additional Notes
Non-venomous; do not confuse with venomous coral snake species.
Contribute Your Observations
Have you spotted this species? Your observations help us track populations and understand behavior patterns.
