The striking coloration of scarlet kingsnakes and coral snakes often leads to confusion due to their similar patterns of red, black, and yellow bands. Despite this visual resemblance, one species is entirely harmless, while the other possesses a highly potent venom. Understanding the distinctions between these snakes is important for ensuring personal safety.
The Stakes: Venomous vs. Harmless
The difference in danger between coral snakes and scarlet kingsnakes is profound. Coral snakes, belonging to the genera Micrurus and Micruroides, possess neurotoxic venom that targets the nervous system. This venom can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening symptoms, including respiratory failure and paralysis, with symptom onset sometimes delayed for several hours after a bite. While fatalities from New World coral snake bites are rare, the potential for severe envenomation still exists.
In contrast, scarlet kingsnakes (Lampropeltis elapsoides) are non-venomous constrictors that pose no threat to humans. These snakes are beneficial to ecosystems, preying on small mammals, lizards, and even other snakes, including venomous species. Their mimicry of the coral snake’s coloration serves as a defense mechanism, deterring predators who mistake them for the more dangerous coral snake. This difference underscores the importance of accurate identification when encountering these similarly patterned reptiles.
Key Identification Features
Distinguishing between a coral snake and a scarlet kingsnake primarily relies on observing their color band patterns. The most common rule for identification is the mnemonic “Red and yellow, kill a fellow; red and black, venom lack.” For coral snakes, the red bands touch the yellow or white bands. Conversely, on a scarlet kingsnake, the red bands touch the black bands, with yellow or white bands separating the red and black. This difference in the order of the color bands is the most reliable distinguishing characteristic.
While the color pattern is primary, other less reliable cues can sometimes offer additional hints. Coral snakes typically have small, black heads that blend seamlessly into their bodies, often appearing unnoticeable from the side. Scarlet kingsnakes, while also having a small head, may have a slightly more distinct head shape or a red snout. Pupil shape, often round in both species, is generally not a safe or practical feature to observe in a wild snake due to the risk involved.
Geographic Range and Habitat
Coral snakes are broadly distributed across the Americas, with New World species found primarily in the southeastern and southwestern United States, as well as Central and South America. These snakes often prefer habitats with sandy soil, leaf litter, and areas under logs or rocks, and may emerge during rainfall.
Scarlet kingsnakes (Lampropeltis elapsoides) are found in the southeastern and eastern United States, with a range that extends further north and northeast than the Eastern coral snake. Their habitats include pine flatwoods, pine savannas, mesic pine-oak forests, prairies, and suburban areas. These snakes are largely secretive and nocturnal, often found hiding under rotting wood, rocks, or leaf litter. Although their ranges overlap, understanding the typical environments each species prefers can offer helpful context for potential encounters.
Encountering a Snake: Safety and Next Steps
If you encounter a snake that you suspect might be a coral snake or a scarlet kingsnake, the safest approach is to observe it from a significant distance. Never attempt to handle, capture, or kill the snake, as this greatly increases the risk of a bite. It is always prudent to assume any unidentified snake is venomous to ensure your safety. Maintaining a safe distance allows the snake to move away on its own, which is their natural inclination.
In the unfortunate event of a suspected coral snake bite, immediate medical attention is necessary. Call emergency services (such as 911) without delay. While awaiting professional help, try to remain calm and keep the bitten limb still and lower than the heart, if possible. Avoid common but unhelpful first aid measures such as applying tourniquets, cutting the wound, or attempting to suck out the venom, as these actions can worsen the outcome or cause further injury. Providing any discernible information about the snake’s appearance to medical personnel can be helpful, but only if it can be done without risking additional harm.