The scarlet snake is relatively small, growing to a total length (tail included) of 14–26 inches (36–66 cm) at adult size.

The dorsal pattern consists of a light gray ground color, with a series of black-bordered red, white or yellow blotches down the back.

It is native to peninsular Florida,[9] and found in southeastern Texas, eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware; with disjunct populations in New Jersey and central Missouri.

It prefers open forested areas with sandy soil, ground litter, and organic debris.

Reasons for the decline in the population are loss of habitat, illegal capture for the pet trade, road mortality, and direct intentional killing.

The scarlet snake rarely bites when picked up by humans, but it can release a foul-smelling odor.

[14] The two greatest threats that scarlet snakes face are the destruction of their habitats because of commercial development and the rising rate of road mortality.