Coral snake

Scientific Name: Micrurus fulvius

Nick Name:

Family: Elapidae

Size: Average 60 centimeters, maximum 115 centimeters.

Appearance:   Beautifully marked with bright blacks, reds, and yellows. To identify the species, remember that when red touches yellow it is a coral snake.

Type of Venom: neurotoxic, Its venom is very powerful.

Distribution: Southeast North Carolina, Gulf States, west central Mississippi, Florida, Florida Keys, and west to Texas. Another genus of coral snake is found in Arizona. Coral snakes are also found throughout Central and most South America.

Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats including wooded areas, swamps, palmetto and scrub areas. Coral snakes often venture into residential locations.

Feeds on: They feed on other snakes and on lizards.

Side Line:

• Common over range, but secretive in its habits, therefore seldom seen.
• It has short fangs that are fixed in an erect position. It often chews to release its venom into a wound. If handled carefully, they don bite.