Slithering Snakes With Crimson Undersides

Red bellied snakes are some of the most eye-catching serpents found across North America Asia and Australia. The vibrant ruby undersides of these snakes serve a variety of purposes, ranging from warding off predators to attracting mates. While the red coloration may appear ominous, most of these snakes are nonvenomous and harmless to humans.

Common Traits

The red ventral scales, called scoleces, occur in a variety of colubrid species worldwide. The vibrant coloration provides stark contrast against the olive, brown, black, or gray dorsal scales. While the intensity of red varies between subspecies, it ranges from deep crimson to faded pink.

Some red-bellied snakes are born with the vibrant undersides, while others develop the coloration with age. The red pigment comes from porphyrins in the scales that oxidize and turn red when exposed to light and air.

In addition to the colorful underside, these snakes share other traits like keeled dorsal scales, small bodies less than 2 feet long, and fossorial tendencies They inhabit marshes, forests, prairies, and meadows with loose soil for burrowing

Defensive Adaptation

When threatened, some red-bellied snakes exhibit brilliant bluffing behaviors. Ring-necked snakes find refuge in this strategy. By rolling on their backs and exposing their shocking red abdomens, they mimic deadly coral snakes. This mimicry startles predators and protects the mild-mannered colubrids.

Similarly, red-bellied snakes like the western worm snake emit foul musk from their cloaca when distressed Combining this odor with the eye-catching red belly can deter predators Since these snakes spend much of their time underground, their defensive displays protect them when threats arise above ground.

Camouflage

Alternatively, the red belly provides camouflage for species like the mudsnake and black swampsnake. These semiaquatic snakes inhabit marshes and swamps with reddish vegetation. When glimpsed among the reedy water plants, the red underside helps conceal them from prey and predators.

The red also helps them blend into the mud and clay substrates when startled out of the water. Therefore, rather than standing out, the red venters help these secretive snakes disappear into their surroundings.

Signaling Display

Additionally, male red-bellied snakes likely utilize their namesake trait for signaling reproductive status and health to potential mates. The brighter the red scales, the better suited a male may be for successful mating. This phenomenon aligns with the red facial skin and cloacal regions male cardinals and macaws display during courtship.

For live-bearing species, the belly coloration could also help males assess the reproductive status of a prospective female mate. Gravid, or pregnant, females sometimes exhibit darkened bellies.

Harmless and Helpful

While the red bellies seem to shout warning, nearly all of these snakes pose no threat to people. A few may excrete mildly venomous saliva, but cannot deliver toxic bites. They help control pest populations like slugs, snails, mice, and insects. And their small size keeps them inconspicuous.

Only the red-bellied black snake of Australia packs a slightly toxic punch, but even this species rarely strikes humans. Red-bellied snakes benefit gardens, farms, and wild habitats while safely staying out of the way. Their unique coloration simply helps them thrive in the world.

So next time crossing paths with one of these crimson-toned serpents, admire its beauty then give it space. Let it fade away to safety, keeping ecosystems humming. The vivacious red belongs right there on its belly, not inside it!