Coral Snake Identification Guide: How to Spot a Coral Snake (2024)

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Coral snakes are venomous reptiles that can pose a danger if misidentified.

It is important to be able to distinguish them from non-venomous species that may resemble them.

This guide will help you achieve just that by teaching you the key physical characteristics, behavior patterns, and distinctive traits of coral snakes.

This knowledge will enable you to stay safe while also developing an appreciation for these fascinating creatures from a distance.

How to Identify a Coral Snake

To identify a coral snake, focus on the distinctive color pattern where red and yellow bands touch, and note the snake’s blunt head with a short snout. Observing its behavior, you’ll see that coral snakes move their tails and heads when threatened, remaining largely reclusive.

Color and Pattern

To identify a coral snake, remember: color, pattern, and size comparison are key.

• Color comparison: Coral snakes have a distinct pattern of red and yellow rings touching, while scarlet king snakes have non-touching red and yellow rings.
• Pattern comparison: The tail of a coral snake has only black and yellow bands, whereas a scarlet king snake’s band pattern remains consistent throughout its body.
• Head shape: Look for a black head with a short snout on a coral snake; scarlet king snakes have red heads with elongated snouts.
• Body shape: Coral snakes are small and reclusive, rarely climbing trees. Scarlet king snakes are larger and known to eat other snakes.

Distinguishing Physical Features

When it comes to distinguishing physical features, there are several key characteristics to look out for when identifying a coral snake. Here’s a breakdown of the features to watch for:

Feature	Coral Snake	Scarlet King Snake
Head Shape	Black with a short snout	Red with an elongated snout
Ring Colors	Red and yellow rings touch	Red and yellow rings don’t touch
Band Patterns	Black and yellow bands on tail	Band pattern remains consistent
Identification Tip	"Red touches yellow, kills a fellow"	"Red touches black, friend of Jack"

Behavior and Movement

Coral snakes are reclusive and rarely climb trees. When threatened, they move their tails and heads. They’re non-aggressive unless harassed.

Scarlet king snakes, on the other hand, don’t move their tails and heads when threatened. They’re known to eat other snakes.

Differences Between Coral Snakes and Kingsnakes

As you examine coral snakes and kingsnakes, pay close attention to their color and band patterns. While coral snakes are venomous, kingsnakes are non-venomous, and their behaviors when disturbed also differ markedly.

Color and Band Patterns

Coral snakes and scarlet king snakes have distinct color patterns that can help you tell them apart. Here’s what to look for:

1. Coloration and Banding: Coral snakes have red and yellow rings that touch, while scarlet king snakes have non-touching red and yellow rings.
2. Head Appearance: Coral snakes typically have black heads with short snouts, whereas scarlet king snakes sport red heads with longer, more pointed snouts.
3. Tail Bands: The tails of coral snakes feature only black and yellow bands, unlike the more complex banding patterns seen on scarlet king snakes.
4. Mnemonic Reminders: Remember the sayings, "red touches yellow, kills a fellow" for coral snakes and "red touches black, friend of Jack" for scarlet king snakes.

Venomous Vs. Non-venomous

While coral snakes are venomous, kingsnakes are not. The table below highlights some of the key differences between these two types of snakes:

	Coral Snakes	Kingsnakes
Venom	Venomous	Non-venomous
Bite Symptoms	N/A	N/A
Antivenom Availability	N/A	N/A
Bite Treatment	N/A	N/A
First Aid	Remove constrictive clothing and jewelry if bitten	N/A

Behavior When Disturbed

When threatened, coral snakes may move their tails and heads, a behavior not typically exhibited by scarlet king snakes. Here are some key differences in behavior when these snakes are disturbed:

• Tail Wagging and Head Swaying: Coral snakes may engage in these defensive postures, while king snakes rarely do.
• Bite Frequency: Although king snakes are more likely to bite when disturbed, coral snakes are generally not aggressive unless harassed.
• Aggression Levels: Coral snakes, even when threatened, maintain lower aggression levels compared to king snakes.

What Mistaken Identity is Common for Coral Snakes?

A common mistake people make is confusing coral snakes with non-venomous scarlet kingsnakes. While both species feature red, yellow, and black bands, understanding their key differences is essential for accurate identification.

Similar Species

Coral snakes are often mistaken for scarlet king snakes.

There are key differences. Coral snakes are venomous. Scarlet king snakes are not.

On coral snakes, the red and yellow rings touch. Their heads are black and blunt.

Scarlet king snakes have non-touching red and yellow rings. Their heads are red and their snouts elongated.

Remember: "Red touches yellow, kills a fellow" for coral snakes. "Red touches black, friend of Jack" for scarlet king snakes.

Key Differences

Regarding coral snakes, mistaken identity can be life-threatening. Here are key distinctions between coral snakes and their non-venomous counterparts, like the scarlet king snake, to assist in accurate identification:

1. Color patterns: Coral snakes have red and yellow rings that touch, while on scarlet king snakes, these colors don’t touch.
2. Distinguishing physical features: Coral snakes have black heads with short snouts, whereas scarlet king snakes sport red heads with longer snouts.
3. Behavior when disturbed: When threatened, coral snakes may move their tails and heads, but scarlet king snakes don’t exhibit this behavior.
4. Venomous vs. non-venomous: This is the most critical distinction. Coral snakes are venomous, while scarlet king snakes are not. Remember, "red touches yellow, kills a fellow," and "red touches black, friend of Jack.

Identifying a False Coral Snake

To identify a false coral snake, compare it with a true coral snake by examining the color patterns carefully. Look for key characteristics, such as the red and black bands touching, which indicates a non-venomous scarlet kingsnake.

Comparison With Coral Snake

Coral snakes are highly venomous, with a mortality rate of 10-20% if left untreated. Their bite can cause respiratory failure, double vision, slurred speech, and muscular paralysis. Be cautious and stay away from these snakes for your safety.

Key Physical Characteristics

To identify a false coral snake, you can look for these key physical characteristics:

• Color patterns: False coral snakes may have similar red, yellow, and black bands, but the patterns differ. Remember, "red touches black, friend of Jack."
• Venomous nature: False coral snakes are non-venomous, lacking the venomous bite of true coral snakes.
• Habitat differences: False coral snakes may occupy different habitats, favoring drier areas coral reef snake habitats.
• Behavioral distinctions: False coral snakes may exhibit different behaviors, such as not moving their tails and heads when threatened.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)