How to Identify Kellogg's Coral Snake (Identification Guide)

Key identifying features

Kellogg's coral snake (Micrurus stewarti-related species/populations sometimes referred to by this name) is a slender, highly venomous elapid found in parts of Central America, identified primarily through its classic coral snake ringed pattern of red, black, and pale yellow or white bands encircling the body. As with other true coral snakes, the consistent ring sequence and smooth, glossy scales are the most important identification features.

Coloration & pattern

The body displays a repeating tricolor pattern of red, black, and pale yellow or whitish rings that fully encircle the body, rather than blotches confined to the back. The black bands are typically bordered narrowly on each side by the pale rings, with broader red bands separating the black-and-pale sets. This complete-ring pattern, wrapping evenly around both the back and belly, is a key distinguishing trait separating true coral snakes from many mimics, whose banding is often less complete underneath.

Head, eyes & scales

The head is small and only slightly distinct from the neck, typically black in color often extending back to cover the top of the head, sometimes including a pale band just behind it. The eyes are small and dark, difficult to see against the black head coloration. Scales are smooth and glossy throughout the body, without any keeling.

Size & body shape

Adults typically reach 50 to 90 cm (about 20 to 35 inches), with a slender, cylindrical body of fairly uniform thickness and a short, tapering tail. This slim build is typical of coral snakes generally, contrasting with the heavier bodies of many mimicking colubrids.

Range & habitat where you'll see it

This species is found in humid lowland and foothill forests of Central America, often in leaf litter, under logs, or in loose soil. It is fossorial and secretive, rarely encountered in the open except after rain or when leaf litter is disturbed, and is most active during twilight or nighttime hours.

How to tell it apart from look-alikes

Kellogg's coral snake is frequently confused with harmless mimics such as certain milk snakes or scarlet snakes that share similar red, black, and pale banding. The key distinguishing feature is that the rings fully encircle the body in true coral snakes, including the belly, while many mimics show interrupted or incomplete banding underneath. Additionally, the specific sequence and relative width of the colored rings, combined with a solid black head, help confirm identification against regional mimics with similar coloring.