The Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea) is a secretive, non-venomous reptile native to the southeastern United States. This small snake is known for its striking coloration, featuring alternating bands of red, black, and white or yellowish blotches. The Scarlet Snake is a fossorial animal, meaning it spends a significant amount of its life burrowing through loose soil, leaf litter, and pine debris.
The Specialized Primary Diet of Reptile Eggs
The primary food source for the Scarlet Snake is the eggs of other reptiles, making it a highly specialized predator. This diet mainly consists of eggs from lizards, turtles, and other snakes, which the Scarlet Snake actively seeks out in their subterranean nests.
Because the snake is primarily a burrower, its ability to locate these hidden clutches of eggs relies heavily on its chemosensory system. Like many snakes, the Scarlet Snake utilizes its forked tongue to collect chemical particles from the soil and air. These particles are then transferred to the Jacobson’s organ in the roof of its mouth, allowing it to effectively “smell” the presence of buried eggs. This acute directional sense of smell guides the snake to the nests of its prey.
Unique Adaptations for Consuming Eggs
The Scarlet Snake possesses a unique physical adaptation that allows it to consume reptile eggs that may be too large to swallow whole and digest intact. Unlike some African egg-eating snakes, the Scarlet Snake has enlarged, specialized teeth positioned toward the rear of its mouth. These sharp, posterior teeth are used to pierce or slash the shell of larger eggs once they have been swallowed.
Once the shell is punctured internally, the snake is able to squeeze the egg with its body muscles to expel the liquid contents. This mechanism ensures that the nutrient-rich yolk and albumen are ingested while the shell material can be either digested or regurgitated. Smaller eggs, such as those of certain lizards, can be consumed entirely without requiring the use of these specialized teeth.
Secondary Prey and Foraging Habits
While reptile eggs are the main dietary component, the Scarlet Snake is an opportunistic feeder that will consume other small prey encountered in its environment. Secondary prey items include small lizards, particularly skinks, as well as juvenile rodents, frogs, and even other small snakes. These animals are typically encountered during the snake’s nocturnal foraging trips through the leaf litter and loose soil.
The snake’s fossorial lifestyle and pointed snout are suited for navigating and hunting within the subterranean habitat. When live prey is captured, the Scarlet Snake subdues it by constriction before swallowing. This combination of specialized egg predation and opportunistic hunting of small vertebrates helps the Scarlet Snake sustain itself throughout the active summer months.