Identifying snakes can be challenging, especially those with vibrant coloration often associated with warning signals. Many species exhibit striking patterns, and some non-venomous types closely mimic their venomous counterparts. To aid in distinguishing between these look-alikes, mnemonic devices have been developed as quick field references.
The Rhyme’s Core Message
A widely known rhyme helps differentiate the venomous coral snake from its non-venomous mimics. The most common version states: “Red and yellow, kill a fellow; red and black, venom lack.” This simple phrase directly links specific color patterns to a snake’s potential danger. It suggests that if a snake has red bands touching yellow bands, it is venomous and should be avoided. Conversely, if its red bands touch black bands, it is generally considered harmless.
The rhyme serves as a quick visual guide, providing a memorable rule for quick assessment in areas where these snakes are found. This mnemonic has become ingrained in popular understanding as a primary method for coral snake identification in certain regions.
Distinguishing Coral Snakes from Mimics
True coral snakes, such as the Eastern coral snake ( Micrurus fulvius ), display a specific banding pattern: red rings bordered by yellow or white, which then touch black. Red and black bands are typically of similar width, separated by narrower yellow bands, and completely encircle the body. The Eastern coral snake also features a distinctive black snout, followed by a yellow band behind its eyes. These slender-bodied snakes have smooth, shiny scales and are reclusive, often found in well-drained, sandy soils within pine forests or sandhills.
Non-venomous mimics, like the scarlet kingsnake ( Lampropeltis elapsoides ) and some milk snakes ( Lampropeltis triangulum ), share similar red, black, and yellow banding, but their pattern differs. In these harmless species, red bands touch black, not yellow. The scarlet kingsnake typically has a red snout, unlike the coral snake’s black snout, aiding visual distinction. While milk snake bands usually encircle the body, the scarlet snake’s bands may not extend across its belly.
Coral snakes belong to the Elapidae family, which includes cobras and mambas. They possess potent neurotoxic venom that affects the nervous system. Unlike pit vipers, coral snakes have small, fixed fangs at the front of their mouths. When they bite, they often hold on and make chewing motions to deliver venom effectively. Their bites can sometimes be initially painless.
Important Exceptions and Cautions
While the rhyme provides a general guideline for identifying coral snakes in parts of the United States, it is not universally reliable. Its accuracy primarily applies to the Eastern coral snake in the southeastern U.S. Even within this region, rare aberrant patterns or individuals with reduced yellow bands can occur, making the rhyme less dependable.
The rhyme’s utility diminishes outside the United States. Many coral snake species globally do not conform to this specific color pattern; some may even have red bands touching black while still being venomous. For instance, the Sonoran coral snake ( Micruroides euryxanthus ) in the southwestern U.S. has broad alternating red and black bands separated by narrower white or yellow bands. While red touches yellow, its appearance can still cause confusion.
Given these variations and potential for misidentification, relying solely on the rhyme can be perilous. Always exercise extreme caution and maintain distance from any snake with unknown identification. If an encounter occurs, observing the snake from afar and seeking professional identification is the most prudent approach, rather than attempting to handle or closely examine it.