The scarlet snakes appearance-- Scarlet snakes are fairly small -- to 20 in (51 cm) -- relatively slender snakes that are patterned with alternating red, black, and white or yellow bands. Scarlet snakes are one of the three "tricolored" snakes in our region and have red bands that do not touch yellow bands. However, this species can be distinguished from the scarlet kingsnake because the kingsnake's bands completely or nearly completely encircle the body while the bands of the scarlet snake do not extend onto the venter, leaving the underside solid white, pink, or grayish. Scarlet snakes generally have a snout that is pointed and red and red bands that are wider than bands of other colors. Young resemble adults.