Lampropeltis elapsoides is the true Scarlet Kingsnake and is not found in Arkansas.Īlthough some field guides indicate that this species prefers moist habitats, I have personally found just the opposite to be true. This tricolored snake is sometimes incorrectly called a Scarlet Kingsnake. Also, the bands of a Coralsnake completely encircle the body The head coloration of the Milksnake is variable, but I have never seen one with a solid, coal-black head (like a Coralsnake). The Texas Coralsnake has an all black, round head and "red touches yellow". This species of coralsnake mimic can be distinguished from the venomous Texas Coralsnake by the shape and coloration of the head and alternation of colors. Also, the Milksnake (usually) has a patterned belly, whereas the Scarletsnake's is plain. The Milksnake has a decidedly more rounded snout than in the Scarletsnake. This species can be distinguished from the less common Scarletsnake (the other nonvenomous "tricolored" in Arkansas) by the shape of its head. For now, the best indicator of subspecies in Arkansas may simply be to check a range map. I have personally caught numerous Red Milksnakes that have displayed a gamut of different head colorations. In the past, head coloration has been used, but its reliability is questionable. There seems to be no clear way to distinguish between these subspecies. Two subspecies, the Louisiana Milksnake ( L. I have caught a few individuals that had a mostly plain, creme belly. The belly patterning is usually black and white checkered. The black outlining may not extend completely around the red/orange blotches, especially toward the head this gives the snake a more banded appearance. The general coloration of the lighter bands seems to distinguish two color phases in Arkansas: gray and white/cream. Its color pattern is highly variable, with red or orange blotches outlined in black and separated by lighter bands. The Milksnake is a small to medium-sized snake.
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