How to Identify the Texas Coral Snake (Identification Guide)

Key identifying features

The Texas Coral Snake (Micrurus tener) is a close relative of the Eastern Coral Snake, sharing the same striking pattern of red, yellow, and black bands encircling the body. The key identification rule remains that red bands are bordered directly by yellow bands, distinguishing it from harmless banded mimics in its range.

Coloration & pattern

The body shows complete rings running red-yellow-black-yellow-red repeated down its length, with the bands wrapping fully around rather than stopping at the belly. Red bands are often the widest and may include small black speckling within them. The pattern is bright and highly saturated, making the snake conspicuous when encountered in the open.

Head, eyes & scales

The head is small and rounded with no distinct triangular shape, and the snout is black, extending back to about the level of the eyes before the first yellow band begins. Eyes are small with round pupils. Scales are smooth, giving the body a glossy appearance.

Size & body shape

Adults typically measure 50 to 80 centimeters, with a slender, evenly cylindrical body lacking the heavy-bodied, triangular-headed shape typical of native pit vipers.

Range & habitat where you'll see it

The Texas Coral Snake ranges across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and into parts of Mexico, inhabiting woodland, scrub, and suburban areas with loose soil or leaf litter for burrowing and hiding. It is secretive, often found under logs, rocks, or debris, and is most active during warm, humid weather.

How to tell it apart from look-alikes

As with the Eastern Coral Snake, the primary distinguishing feature from mimics like the Louisiana Milk Snake and other banded kingsnakes is whether red touches yellow or red touches black. In the Texas Coral Snake, red always borders yellow, while in its mimics red borders black. The black snout is another reliable clue, contrasting with the often red or patterned snout of look-alike species.