Texas Coral Snake
Micrurus tener
A brightly ringed coral snake of Texas, Louisiana, and northeastern Mexico, closely related to and long considered a subspecies of the eastern coral snake.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.8 m (20-31 in)
- Range
- South-central United States and northeastern Mexico
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Overview
The Texas coral snake (Micrurus tener) occupies the western portion of the North American coral snake range and was formerly classified as a subspecies of the eastern coral snake before being recognized as distinct. It shares the same striking red-yellow-black ring pattern and secretive, fossorial lifestyle.
It carries potent neurotoxic venom and is medically significant, though its shy nature and infrequent bites make serious envenomations uncommon.
How to identify it
A slender, ringed elapid nearly identical in appearance to the eastern coral snake.
- Broad red and black rings separated by narrower yellow rings, with red touching yellow
- Blunt black snout and smooth scales
- Round pupils
- Adults typically 0.5-0.8 m
- Distinguished from harmless mimics such as the Mexican milk snake by the red-touches-yellow rule
Habitat & range
Found in a variety of habitats including woodland, scrub, coastal prairie, and semi-arid brushland across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and adjacent northeastern Mexico. It is largely fossorial, often found under leaf litter, logs, or loose soil.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive and often active during cooler parts of the day or after rain, spending much time hidden or burrowed. It feeds primarily on other snakes and legless lizards. Reproduction is oviparous.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Texas coral snake the same as the eastern coral snake?
It was once considered a subspecies of the eastern coral snake but is now recognized as a distinct species, Micrurus tener.
Is the Texas coral snake dangerous?
Yes, it has potent neurotoxic venom and is medically significant, though bites are uncommon.
Where is the Texas coral snake found?
It occurs across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and northeastern Mexico.
How can you identify the Texas coral snake?
Its red, yellow, and black rings with red touching yellow distinguish it from harmless mimics.
Texas Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Texas Coral Snake.
