These rarely seen strikingly patterned snakes are harmless to humans. Because of their similarity to the venemous Coral Snake, remember this phrase to help you keep them straight -- "Red on yellow, kill a fellow; Red on black, venom lack" (one of many variations).

Scarlet Kingsnake is currently considered to be in the same species as Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum) because the two may intergrade in areas where there ranges meet, such as northeastern N.C. Scarlet Kingsnake is most often found in the Coastal Plain, especially the Sandhills and in a band within 50 miles of the coast.

The flowers are the rare Sandhills Pyxie-moss (Pyxidanthera brevifolia).

Moore Co., NC 3/14/07.