Eastern Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Elapidae, Subfamily: Elapinae, Genus: Micrurus, Species: Micrurus fulvius
Found in the Southeastern United States, ranging from southeastern North Carolina southward through Florida and westward through the Gulf Coast to eastern Louisiana.
Look up Eastern Coral Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Venomous; Proteroglyphous (fixed front fangs).
Danger Level
Extremely Dangerous/High Risk; though bites are rare due to their reclusive nature, the venom is highly toxic and necessitates immediate medical attention.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Elapidae, Subfamily: Elapinae, Genus: Micrurus, Species: Micrurus fulvius
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN), though they face threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and mortality from roads.
Physical Description
Brightly colored with broad red and black rings separated by narrow yellow rings (Red on Yellow, Kill a Fellow). The snout is blunt and black, followed by a yellow band across the head. Scales are smooth and glossy; pupils are round.
Size & Dimensions
Typically 51–76 cm (20–30 inches) in length, with a maximum recorded length of about 120 cm (47 inches). This specimen appears to be an adult.
Habitat
Inhabits a variety of environments including pine and scrub oak sandhills, hardwood hammocks, and flatwoods. They prefer areas with loose soil or leaf litter for burrowing.
Behavior & Temperament
Secretive, fossorial, and largely nocturnal or crepuscular. They are generally non-aggressive and rarely bite unless handled or stepped on, but will often hide their head and wag their tail to distract predators.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized carnivore feeding primarily on other snakes (ophiophagy) and small lizards. They use a quick bite to inject venom and then hold onto the prey until it is incapacitated.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay about 3 to 12 eggs in early summer, which hatch in late summer or autumn. Neonates are born with full venom delivery capabilities.
Venom Profile
Potent neurotoxic venom that disrupts nerve transmission, potentially leading to respiratory failure and paralysis.
Look-alikes
Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides) and Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea). Key distinction: Coral snakes have red rings touching yellow rings, while harmless mimics have red rings touching black rings.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN), though they face threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and mortality from roads.
Cultural Significance
Famous in American folklore for the 'Rhyme of Recognition' used to distinguish it from mimics. It plays a vital ecological role in controlling populations of other reptiles.
Notable Features
Notable for its warning coloration (aposematism) and its taxonomic status as the only member of the cobra family (Elapidae) found in the Eastern United States.