Northern Scarletsnake

Family: 
Colubridae (nonvenomous snakes) in the order Squamata (lizards and snakes)
Description: 

One of Missouri's most brilliantly colored snakes that is extremely rare to find. It is similar in pattern and color to the red milksnake, but instead has a red or orange color snout and a spotless, white belly. It is named for the red or crimson colored blotches along the back.

Size: 
It is 14 to 20 inches (36-51 cm) long.
Habitat and conservation: 
This secretive snake spends much of its life underground, surfacing to feed mainly on eggs of other reptiles and occasionally rodents, lizards and small snakes.
Foods: 
Eggs of other reptiles and occasionally rodents, lizards and small snakes.
Distribution in Missouri: 
South-central and southern parts of the state.
Status: 
Rare; a Species of Conservation Concern.