Alternate Name(s):

 

Venom Status:

Venomous

 

Characteristics:

Contrary to popular belief, the coral snakes are NOT rearranged. Although the fangs are short, these little relatives of the cobra are front-fanged and a bite from one can be dangerous. This pretty 14-20” long slender, tricolored snake is more agile than it is often given credit for. If startled it can change ends pretty quickly and although it seems reluctant to bite it is perfectly capable of doing so. A bite by this little snake can prove to be an expensive lesson. Do not attempt to handle it. The nose is black and normally the 2 caution colors, red and yellow, do touch. But abnormalities do occur. Occasionally the red may be largely missing, producing a black and yellow snake. Use care, always! The prey is smaller snakes with a preference for slender blind snakes. Oviparous.

Unique Features:

The nose is black and normally the 2 caution colors, red and yellow, do touch. But abnormalities can happen. Be careful.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Rocky and brushy desert areas as well as secluded, irrigated yards. The prey is lizards (primarily skinks), small snakes, especially blind and ground snakes.

 

Geographic Range:

AZ, NM