Eastern Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius
A slender, brightly banded elapid of the southeastern United States, famous for its red-yellow-black ring pattern and the mnemonic rhyme used to distinguish it from harmless mimics.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.8 m (20-31 in), exceptionally to 1.2 m
- Range
- Southeastern United States
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Overview
The eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) is the most widespread coral snake species in the United States, found across the coastal plain of the southeastern states. It is a member of the family Elapidae, related to cobras and mambas, despite its small size and secretive habits.
It possesses potent neurotoxic venom and is considered medically significant, though bites are rare because the species is reclusive, mostly fossorial, and reluctant to bite even when handled.
How to identify it
A slender, ringed snake with a famous color pattern.
- Broad red and black rings separated by narrower yellow rings encircling the body
- Red and yellow rings touch one another, a key feature separating it from harmless mimics like the scarlet kingsnake, in which red touches black (the common rhyme: 'red touch yellow, kill a fellow; red touch black, friend of Jack')
- Blunt, rounded black snout
- Smooth scales and round pupils
- Adults typically 0.5-0.8 m
Habitat & range
Found in pine flatwoods, scrub, hardwood hammocks, and areas with sandy soil across the coastal plain from North Carolina through Florida and west to Louisiana and eastern Texas. It is largely fossorial, spending much time burrowed in loose soil, leaf litter, or under debris.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive and primarily active at dawn, dusk, or after rain, spending most of its time underground or under cover. It preys mainly on other small snakes and legless lizards, using its potent venom to subdue prey. Reproduction is oviparous, with clutches of roughly 3-13 eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the eastern coral snake dangerous?
Yes, its venom is potent and medically significant, though bites are uncommon due to its secretive habits and reluctance to bite.
How do you tell the eastern coral snake from a mimic like the scarlet kingsnake?
On the coral snake, red bands touch yellow bands; on harmless mimics, red touches black, summarized by the rhyme 'red touch yellow, kill a fellow.'
Where is the eastern coral snake found?
It occurs across the coastal plain of the southeastern United States, from North Carolina to Florida and west into Texas.
What does the eastern coral snake eat?
It preys mainly on other small snakes and legless lizards.
Eastern Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Eastern Coral Snake.
Eastern Coral Snake identified by the community
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