Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius
A brightly ringed, highly venomous elapid known for the rhyme distinguishing it from harmless mimics: 'red touch yellow, kill a fellow.'
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-1.0 m (1.6-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Southeastern United States
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Overview
The eastern coral snake is a small, brilliantly banded elapid found across the southeastern United States, closely related to cobras despite its modest size. It is famous for the mnemonic used to distinguish it from harmless mimics such as the scarlet kingsnake, based on the order of its colored bands.
Despite its potent neurotoxic venom, it is secretive and rarely encountered, spending much of its time burrowed in leaf litter or underground.
How to identify it
- Bold bands of red, yellow, and black encircling the body, with red bands directly touching yellow bands
- Small, blunt, rounded head, black at the snout, not distinct from the neck
- Round pupils, smooth scales
- Distinguished from harmless mimics like the scarlet kingsnake, in which red bands touch black rather than yellow
- Small size and slender build compared to most vipers
Habitat & range
Inhabits pine flatwoods, scrub, and sandy woodland habitats across the southeastern United States, often hidden beneath leaf litter, logs, or loose soil, rarely seen in the open.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive and fossorial, spending most of its time underground or under debris, emerging mainly after rain or during breeding season. Feeds primarily on other small snakes and lizards. Delivers venom via short, fixed fangs and a chewing bite motion. Egg-laying, with small clutches.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell a coral snake from a harmless mimic?
In true coral snakes, red bands touch yellow bands directly, while in harmless mimics like the scarlet kingsnake, red touches black.
Is the coral snake dangerous?
Yes, it possesses potent neurotoxic venom, though bites are rare due to its secretive habits and small fangs.
What does the coral snake eat?
Mainly other small snakes and lizards.
Is the coral snake often seen?
No, it is highly secretive, spending most of its time hidden underground or beneath debris.
Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Coral Snake.
