A coral snake is not a pit viper but is instead a member of the elapid family of snakes which includes cobras mambas and sea snakes. Unlike pit vipers coral snakes have fixed front fangs that are attached to venom glands. When a coral snake bites the fangs fold back into the roof of the mouth injecting the venom into the prey.
Coral snakes are found in the southern United States Mexico Central America and South America. They are often mistaken for other snakes such as the milk snake or king snake which are non-venomous. Coral snakes can be identified by their distinct color pattern which is red yellow and black bands that encircle the body.
There are two types of coral snakes found in the United States: the Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) and the Western coral snake (Micrurus tener). The Eastern coral snake is found east of the Mississippi River while the Western coral snake is found west of the Mississippi River.
Coral snakes are shy and reclusive snakes that spend most of their time hidden in underground burrows or in leaf litter on the forest floor. They are most active at night and hunt small mammals lizards and other snakes.
Coral snakes are venomous snakes and their bites can be fatal to humans. If you think you or someone you know has been bitten by a coral snake it is important to seek medical help immediately and to identify the snake if possible. If you are unable to identify the snake it is important to still seek medical help as the bite of a coral snake can be deadly.
What family does the coral snake belong to?
Answer: The coral snake belongs to the Elapidae family.
What venomous snakes are in the same family as the coral snake?
Answer: The king cobra the krait and the mamba are all in the same family as the coral snake.
What is the Coral Snake’s diet?
Answer: The Coral Snake’s diet consists mostly of lizards and small snakes.
Where do Coral Snakes live?
Answer: Coral Snakes can be found in the southeastern United States Central and South America.
What is the average length of a Coral Snake?
Answer: The average length of a Coral Snake is about 3-4 feet.
How many subspecies of Coral Snake are there?
Answer: There are currently six subspecies of Coral Snake that have been identified.
What is the difference between a Coral Snake and a King Snake?
Answer: The main difference between a Coral Snake and a King Snake is that Coral Snakes are venomous while King Snakes are not.
What colors does a Coral Snake have?
Answer: A Coral Snake typically has red yellow and black bands that are separated by white bands.
How many years does a Coral Snake typically live?
Answer: A Coral Snake typically lives for about 10-15 years.
What is the average weight of a Coral Snake?
Answer: The average weight of a Coral Snake is about 1-2 pounds.
What is the average size of a Coral Snake’s head?
Answer: The average size of a Coral Snake’s head is about 1-2 inches.
What is the average size of a Coral Snake’s fangs?
Answer: The average size of a Coral Snake’s fangs is about 1/2 inch.
What is the average size of a Coral Snake’s body?
Answer: The average size of a Coral Snake’s body is about 3-4 feet.
How many eggs does a Coral Snake typically lay?
Answer: A Coral Snake typically lays about 5-20 eggs at a time.
What is the incubation period for a Coral Snake’s eggs?
Answer: The incubation period for a Coral Snake’s eggs is about 60-90 days.
