Coral snakes are a group of venomous snakes recognized by their distinctive, brightly colored banding patterns. These snakes are found in various regions, including North, Central, and South America, and parts of Asia and Africa. Because some non-venomous snakes closely resemble coral snakes, a popular saying or rhyme emerged to help people differentiate between them.
The Rhyme and Its Meaning
The most widely known rhyme used to identify coral snakes in North America is “Red and yellow, kill a fellow; red and black, venom lack.” This saying provides a simple rule based on the order of the snake’s colored bands: if red bands touch yellow, the snake is venomous (coral snake); if red bands touch black, it’s non-venomous (mimic species like the scarlet king snake or milk snake). This mnemonic became popular as a quick guide to distinguish dangerous coral snakes from their harmless look-alikes.
Reliability of the Saying
The rhyme “Red and yellow, kill a fellow; red and black, venom lack” is commonly cited, but its reliability is limited and can be misleading. It primarily applies to specific coral snake species in parts of the United States, like the Eastern coral snake. It does not consistently hold true for all coral snake species globally or reliably distinguish all their mimics. Some coral snake species outside the U.S. may have red bands touching black, or lack yellow bands entirely.
Non-venomous mimics in some regions can also have color patterns that contradict the rhyme, with red bands touching yellow. Color variations within the same species due to age, individual differences, or environmental factors also make identification based solely on the rhyme unreliable. Relying only on this rhyme for identification can be dangerous, as misidentification leads to serious consequences. Experts emphasize it should not be the only factor in determining a snake’s venomous nature.
Identifying Coral Snakes
Beyond color patterns, other physical characteristics are important for identifying coral snakes. Most North American coral snakes have a blunt, black snout or head, distinct from many non-venomous mimics that often have red snouts. Their scales are smooth and glossy. Their colored bands—red, yellow, and black—usually encircle the entire body, continuing across their belly.
In contrast, many non-venomous mimics, like the scarlet snake, have incomplete band patterns on their bellies, often plain cream or white. Mimics may also have different head shapes, some with more pointed or elongated snouts. While some non-venomous snakes can flatten their heads to appear triangular (a common misconception for identifying venomous snakes), coral snakes generally have narrow, rounded heads not distinctly wider than their necks.
What to Do if You See a Coral Snake
If you encounter a snake that might be a coral snake, maintaining a safe distance is the most important action. These snakes are generally reclusive and not aggressive, but they will bite if they feel threatened or are handled. Never attempt to handle, provoke, or kill the snake. Trying to confirm its identity by getting too close or using the rhyme in a dangerous situation is not advisable.
For a suspected coral snake bite, immediate medical attention is essential. Call emergency services or 911 immediately. While waiting for help, remain calm and still to slow venom spread. Remove jewelry or tight clothing from the bitten area, and keep the bitten limb still and, if possible, at or below heart level. Do not apply ice, tourniquets, cut the wound, or suck out venom, as these actions cause more harm.